Is the 'myDiv' Shortcut for Element Access in JavaScript a Red Flag?

Why Use Complex Identifiers in JavaScript When Element IDs Suffice?

As a JavaScript developer, you might have noticed that accessing an element with an ID like "myDiv" can be as simple as writing "myDiv". However, despite its apparent simplicity, this approach seems strangely underexamined in documentation, leading to confusion and the assumption that more complex methods like "document.getElementById()" or "document.querySelector()" are the norm.

While the latter methods provide robustness against accidental redefinitions or value overwrites, are there any hidden concerns with using the simpler "myDiv" shortcut?

Standards Compliance and Deprecation

Initially, it was believed that using element IDs as global variables defied HTML5 standards, but this is no longer the case. The HTML5 specification explicitly allows window access to elements via their IDs.

However, the spec itself advises against this practice, stating that its behavior can change as the Web platform evolves.

Brittleness and Interoperability

The crux of the issue lies in the brittleness of the "myDiv" approach. Future browser updates or JavaScript implementations might alter how IDs map to window properties. This could lead to unpredictable results and potentially break existing code.

Best Practices

Given the potential risks and the advice provided by the HTML5 specification, it is highly recommended to prioritize the use of "document.getElementById()" or "document.querySelector()" when accessing DOM elements by ID. These methods are more reliable, consistent, and future-proof your codebase. While the "myDiv" shortcut might offer a semblance of convenience, its drawbacks outweigh its benefits and should be avoided to ensure robustness and interoperability.

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