FAQ Topic - Why does my code fail to access an element? (2012-05-24)

[FAQ server]

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FAQ Topic - Why does my code fail to access an element?
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An element can only be accessed after it exists in the document.

Either:
A) include your script after the HTML element it refers to, or
B) use the `"load"` event to trigger your script.

Example A:

<div id="snurgle">here</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
// Don't forget var.
var snurgleEl = document.getElementById("snurgle");
window.alert(snurgleEl.parentNode);
</script>

Example B:

// In the HEAD.
<script type="text/javascript">
window.onload = function(){
var snurgleEl = document.getElementById("snurgle");
};
</script>

Other problems can include::
----------------------------

* invalid HTML

* two elements with the same `name` or `id`

* use of an unsafe name: http://jibbering.com/names/


The complete comp.lang.javascript FAQ is at
http://jibbering.com/faq/

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