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JavaScript DOM Scripting By Example Adding and Removing Names RSVP Checkbox

Posted by babasariffodeen
babasariffodeen
6,475 Points

Difference between classList and className?

What's the difference between:

if (checked){
    listItem.classList.add('responded');
}else{
    listItem.classList.remove('responded');
}

AND

if (checked){
    listItem.className = 'responded';
}else{
    listItem.className = '';
}

Which is preferred? I am assuming the first option is great for when elements have many classes, and the second option is great if the element will only toggle between having a class and not having it...

Thanks!

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,732 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,732 Points

Using "classList", you can add or remove a class without affecting any others the element may have. But if you assign "className", it will wipe out any existing classes while adding the new one (or if you assign an empty string it will wipe out all of them).

Assigning "className" can be a convenience for cases where you are certain no other classes will be used on the element, but I would normally use the "classList" methods exclusively.

And "classList" also has handy "toggle" and "replace" methods.

babasariffodeen
babasariffodeen
6,475 Points

Awesome! Thanks very much for the easy-to-understand explanation :)