How to Effectively Change Text in DOM Elements with JavaScript on Window Load

Learn how to dynamically change the text of different HTML elements by targeting specific IDs when the window loads using JavaScript.
---

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding How to Change Text of Each ID upon Window Load

When developing web applications, it is common to manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) to provide a dynamic user experience. A frequent requirement is the ability to change the text within specific elements as soon as the window has finished loading. This guide will guide you step-by-step through the process using JavaScript.

Problem Statement

A user has provided an HTML structure with several <div> elements, each having unique IDs and a target attribute. The goal is to update the text within these elements once the window loads. The initial attempt to do so using the following JavaScript code encountered issues:

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

However, it wasn't functioning as expected. Let's explore why that happens and how to make it work.

Identifying the Issue

The primary issue in the provided code lies in how the this keyword is referenced within the callback function in the forEach loop. In JavaScript, this does not automatically refer to the current element when used inside a regular function, which can lead to errors or undefined behavior.

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to change the parameter of the forEach callback function. Instead of using this, we should directly use the passed element. Here’s the corrected code:

Updated JavaScript Code

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

Explanation of the Code Changes

Foreach Loop with Element: By using function(element), each matching element is directly referenced as element, solving the issue of incorrect context for this.

Updating Text: The innerText property is appended with tID, thus seamlessly updating the element's text when the window loads.

Updated HTML Structure

Here’s the accompanying HTML structure that would work with the updated JavaScript:

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

Conclusion

By following the above steps, you can ensure that the text within each <div> is successfully updated when the page loads. Ensuring the proper context of elements in JavaScript callbacks is essential for DOM manipulation. Now you can apply this technique to enhance the interactivity of your web applications effectively. Happy coding!