Question

77

How can I check if an element is a drop down list element or a text input element, given its id?

rated 0 times [ 81] [ 4] / answers: 1 / hits: 31515 / 12 Years ago, tue, july 10, 2012, 12:00:00

In Javascript, given the id of an element (in a String format), how can I check if the id of the element refers to a drop down list element, or a text input element?

The function should return true if the id refers to a drop down list (<select>) element, or a text input element, and false otherwise.

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gerardob

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2 Years ago

answered 12 Years ago jennie · Accepted Answer

Try using:
document.getElementById('idNameGoesHere').tagName

So the function could be:

function isSelectOrTextField(idName) {

    var element = document.getElementById(idName);

    if(element.tagName === 'SELECT') {return true;}

    if(element.tagName === 'INPUT' && element.type === 'text') {return true;}

    return false;

}

You could expand this to check for <textarea> as well.

EDIT :
Or choose jbabey's answer as it's using nodeName and is better formatted.

apparently nodeName has wider browser support.