How to Only Display Non-null Elements in HTML Templates Using JavaScript

Learn how to conditionally render HTML elements based on their presence in JavaScript, ensuring that only non-null URLs are shown in your templates. Perfect for beginners!
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How to Only Display Non-null Elements in HTML Templates Using JavaScript

As a beginner diving into the world of JavaScript and HTML, it can be challenging to manage the visibility of certain elements based on their data. In this post, we'll explore a common problem faced when dynamically generating HTML templates from JSON data: ensuring that only non-null URLs are displayed in the final output. If you've ever struggled with this issue, you're in the right place!

The Problem

Imagine you have a JSON file containing information about several items. Each item includes various properties, including a name, description, an icon, and up to two URLs representing logos. However, there may be instances where these URL properties are null, leading to unnecessary clutter in your HTML output. If you're generating these templates through JavaScript, you'll want to ensure that only valid URLs are displayed.

JSON Example

Here's an example of the JSON structure we'll be working with:

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

In the example above, the modrinthUrl for Name2 is null, which means we should not render that logo in our HTML output.

The Initial Approach

Initially, you might have tried to use if-statements to check each URL's value before rendering. Here's a snippet of what that could look like:

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

However, this code may not function correctly. The key issue here is with the assignment operator (=) instead of the comparison operator (== or ===) when checking if the URL is null.

The Improved Solution

Using Ternary Operators

The solution is simpler than you might think. By leveraging the ternary operator, you can streamline your code, checking whether each URL is available and rendering it accordingly. Here's the corrected function:

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

Explanation of the Code

Clean Output: This approach ensures that the resulting HTML will include an <a> tag only if the corresponding URL is provided in the JSON data.

Conclusion

By following the approach outlined above, you can effectively manage the visibility of your HTML elements based on their associated data. This method keeps your output clean and user-friendly, particularly when handling data that may contain empty or null values.

Take these ideas and apply them to your projects, and enjoy refining your skills as you continue to explore the fascinating world of JavaScript and web development!