How to Change the id of an Element in JavaScript on Click

Learn how to effectively overwrite the `id` of an element in JavaScript when it is clicked. Find out the common pitfalls and how to avoid syntax errors.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/63387719/ asked by the user 'Hihikokun' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/13867851/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/63387758/ provided by the user 'Hihikokun' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/13867851/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Change the id of an Element in JavaScript on Click

Have you ever faced the challenge of trying to change the id of an HTML element through JavaScript when it is clicked? This scenario is common among developers (both novices and seasoned pros) who want to dynamically alter elements on a webpage. In this guide, we'll explore a typical issue you might encounter when attempting to change an element's id attribute, why it may not work as expected, and how to resolve it effectively.

The Problem at Hand

Consider a JavaScript (JS) function that dynamically creates a <span> element. You might want this element to change its id whenever it is clicked. The code snippet provided looks something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Upon clicking the element, you want the id to update to # a1c. However, the actual behavior is frustrating; instead of receiving the new id, the element loses its previous value without adopting the new one.

What could be the cause of this issue?

Understanding the Syntax Error

The most significant problem here lies in how the id is being set. While it may seem straightforward, there is a crucial error in syntax. In HTML and JavaScript, the id attribute should not include a leading hashtag (# ). The # is typically used in CSS selectors to denote an id, but it does not belong in the id string itself.

Here's the Fix

To update the id correctly, modify the problematic line like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Notice that we simply removed the # , leaving a1c as the value of the id. By making this small syntax adjustment, the problem will be resolved.

Final Implementation

Here's how your updated JavaScript function might look in its entirety:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Points to Remember

Always ensure that the values you assign to attributes are valid and conform to the expected syntax of HTML.

The id attribute does not require a leading # .

JavaScript is case-sensitive, so be cautious about the casing used in your code to avoid undefined errors.

Conclusion

Changing the id of an HTML element with JavaScript can be a straightforward task, but syntax errors can easily lead to confusion. By removing unnecessary characters and ensuring correct attribute assignments, you can efficiently troubleshoot and resolve these issues.

Now, the next time you create dynamic elements, you have the knowledge to manage their identifiers seamlessly!

If you have any further questions or run into other issues, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below!