Jquery, get html of a whole element

Building a custom jQuery plugin for "outerHTML"

Creating your tailored jQuery plugin can enhance efficiency. Let's create a plugin for retrieving the entire HTML, while observing best practices:

// Who doesn't love a good jQuery plugin?
// This one, named 'outerHTML', fetches the outer HTML of any element.
$.fn.outerHTML = function() {
    if (this.length === 0) {
        return '';  // "I find your lack of elements disturbing." - Darth jQuery
    }
    
    var elem = this.eq(0); // "There can only be one!" - Highlander (and also jQuery.eq(0))
    
    return elem.clone().wrap('<div>').parent().html();  
    // Cloning. No Dolly the sheep were harmed in this process.
};
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In action:

var fullHtml = $('#elementId').outerHTML();
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Now, we have a fitting jQuery extension that wraps the operation neatly and is re-usable. The clone() method ensures we don't disrupt the original DOM.

Deep diving into the cloning technique

The clone() method, not unlike in a sci-fi movie, can also be used standalone for more complex manipulations:

// Make a clone. Not the Star Wars type.
var clonedElement = $('#elementId').clone(); 
// Now you're free to experiment on the clone without guilt!

var fullHtml = $('<div>').append(clonedElement).html();
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This technique is handy when you need to manipulate the copied HTML prior to retrieving it without affecting the original element.

Shrewd usage of DOM properties

Sometimes, direct DOM manipulation can be faster than wrapping jQuery methods. As jQuery objects are wrappers around DOM elements, accessing native properties is like going backstage:

var element = $('#elementId')[0]; // Peel off the jQuery wrapper
var fullHtml = element.outerHTML; // Mix with native DOM for optimal performance!
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This shrewd method is fast and should be your first choice when performance is a concern. It does deviate from the jQuery layer, which might not be ideal for all jobs.

Dodge these potential pitfalls

In your jQuery journey, navigating potential pitfalls will ensure the integrity of your craft:

• Don't use .parent(). It misleads by returning the HTML of the parent instead of your target element.
• Be wary when using .html(). Alone, it gives you the contents without the parent element.
• Exercise caution with empty selections: Always check if $('#elementId') found an element and handle gracefully if not, like returning an empty string.

Optimizing for efficiency and practicality

Not all jQuery methods are born equal. While .clone() is a Swiss knife, direct property access like outerHTML is akin to a precision scalpel—quicker and more efficient.