How to target a div using content inside the div with JavaScript and jQuery

Learn how to effectively target a specific div using its content with JavaScript and jQuery. Discover simple methods for inserting elements only after the specific div you want.
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How to target a div using content inside the div with JavaScript and jQuery

When working with HTML elements, especially if they share the same class name, it can be tricky to manipulate them individually based on their content. This is a common scenario developers face. You might find yourself wanting to add additional content or modify an element based on the text it contains. In this guide, we'll explore a solution for a specific problem: how to insert content after a specific div based on its inner text.

The Problem at Hand

Consider a simple HTML structure made up of two divs with the class name test:

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

You might want to insert additional text after the first div only when it contains the text "First Div." However, if you try using a method that targets the class directly, you might inadvertently apply the change to both divs. Here’s a sample code that demonstrates this issue:

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

As you can see, this code adds your new text after both divs, not just the one you want. So, how do we resolve that?

The Solution: Targeting with Precision

To achieve your goal effectively, you need to directly target the specific element you want to manipulate. Here's a simple and clear way to do that using plain JavaScript and jQuery.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

Access the Element: Instead of using a selector that targets all instances of the class, we will target the first element we need.

Insert After the Desired Element: Then, we will use jQuery to insert the new content right after this specific element.

Implementing the Code

Here’s the code that accomplishes this task correctly:

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

And here is the accompanying HTML:

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

Explanation of the Code

$('<div>new text</div>').insertAfter(el);: This jQuery function inserts a new div with the text "new text" immediately after the div we previously selected.

Conclusion

By following the approach outlined above, you can effectively manipulate your DOM elements based on their content. This technique is not only straightforward but also ensures that you have control over which elements you affect with your JavaScript or jQuery code. Using the right selectors and methods will make your code cleaner and more efficient.

Now, whether you're working on a small project or a larger application, you have a reliable solution to target specific divs based on their inner content. Happy coding!