Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Why This Function is Used
2.1.
Syntax, Parameter and Return Value
2.2.
Syntax: 
2.3.
Parameters:
2.4.
Return Value: 
3.
Examples 
3.1.
Checking for a DOM Element:
3.2.
JavaScript
3.3.
Validating Elements Before Manipulation:
3.4.
Filtering DOM Elements in a Collection:
3.5.
JavaScript
3.6.
Using with Event Handling:
4.
Frequently Asked Questions
4.1.
How does _.isElement() differ from using instanceof HTMLElement?
4.2.
Can _.isElement() detect elements created in different document contexts (like iframes)?
4.3.
Is _.isElement() necessary in modern JavaScript?
5.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
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Lodash _.isElement() Method

Author Pallavi singh
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Introduction

In web development, interacting with and manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) is a common task. Identifying whether a value is a DOM element is crucial in this context. Lodash's _.isElement() method provides a straightforward way to check if a value is a DOM element. 

Lodash _.isElement() Method

This is especially useful for operations involving DOM manipulation, event handling, or dynamic content generation.

Why This Function is Used

The _.isElement() function is used to determine if a given value is a DOM element. This distinction is important in front-end development for tasks like validating input before performing DOM operations, applying styles, or attaching event listeners. Using _.isElement() helps prevent errors that could occur if non-element values were mistakenly used in such operations.

Syntax, Parameter and Return Value

Syntax: 

_.isElement(value)
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Parameters:

value: The value to check.

Return Value: 

(boolean) - Returns true if value is a DOM element, else false.

Examples 

Checking for a DOM Element:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

var _ = require('lodash');

var element = document.createElement('div');

var notElement = { tagName: 'div' };

console.log(_.isElement(element));

console.log(_.isElement(notElement));
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Output: 

true
false


Demonstrates using _.isElement() to differentiate between an actual DOM element and a regular object.

Validating Elements Before Manipulation:

function updateElement(el, content) {
  if (_.isElement(el)) {
    el.textContent = content;
  } else {
    console.error('Provided value is not a DOM element');
  }
}
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Shows how to ensure that a value is a DOM element before performing DOM manipulation.

Filtering DOM Elements in a Collection:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

var mixedCollection = [document.createElement('div'), 42, 'Hello', window];

var elements = _.filter(mixedCollection, _.isElement);

console.log(elements.length);
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Output: 

1 (only the div element)


An example of filtering DOM elements from a mixed array of items.

Using with Event Handling:

function attachClickHandler(el) {
  if (_.isElement(el)) {
    el.addEventListener('click', () => console.log('Element clicked!'));
  }
}
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Demonstrates checking if an object is a DOM element before attaching an event listener.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does _.isElement() differ from using instanceof HTMLElement?

_.isElement() checks if a value is any kind of DOM element, while instanceof HTMLElement is specific to HTML elements. The Lodash method offers a broader check that includes all types of DOM elements.

Can _.isElement() detect elements created in different document contexts (like iframes)?

Yes, _.isElement() can typically detect elements from different document contexts, such as elements within an iframe.

Is _.isElement() necessary in modern JavaScript?

While modern JavaScript provides ways to check for DOM elements, _.isElement() can be a convenient and readable part of a Lodash-based codebase, offering consistent behavior across various environments.

Conclusion

Lodash's _.isElement() method is a useful utility for verifying DOM elements in web development. It plays a significant role in ensuring that operations involving DOM manipulation, styling, or event handling are applied correctly and safely.

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