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JavaScript jQuery Basics (2014) Creating a Simple Lightbox Perform: Part 4

Posted by bill curry
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
bill curry
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 7,841 Points

I don't understand the use of (this) in this project. Any help?

I remember using "this" in earlier projects and it seemed to refer directly back to a preceding element. Not sure how it's working here in these two instances.

Any clarification would be most appreciated.

//1. Capture the click event on a link to an img
$("#imageGallery a").click(function(event) {
    event.preventDefault();
    var imageLocation = $(this).attr("href");
  // update overlay w/the img linked in the link
  $image.attr("src", imageLocation);

 // get child's attribute and set caption
  var captionText = $(this).children("img").attr("alt");
  $caption.text(captionText);

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,786 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,786 Points

The use of "this" depends on the context. In an event handler, it refers to the element that dispatched the event. In this case it would be the link ("a") element that was clicked.

You might enjoy the short workshop: Understanding "this" in JavaScript.

bill curry
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
bill curry
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 7,841 Points

Thanks. Will check it out.