The DOM in JavaScript

  The DOM (Document Object Model) is a programming interface that allows developers to interact with and dynamically manipulate the structure of HTML and XML documents using JavaScript.

What is the DOM?

  The DOM is a structured representation of a document as a hierarchical tree, where each node corresponds to a part of the document:

• HTML elements are represented as nodes in the tree.
• Attributes and text of elements are also individual nodes.
• It allows modifying the content, structure, and style of web pages in real time.

Why is the DOM important?

  The DOM is fundamental for adding interactivity and dynamism to web pages, as it:

• Allows access to HTML elements and their properties using JavaScript.
• Makes it possible to modify elements in real time, such as changing text, attributes, or CSS styles.
• Facilitates the creation of events such as clicks, key presses, or mouse movements.
• Is the foundation of many libraries and frameworks like React and Angular.

Main DOM methods and properties

  Some of the most commonly used methods and properties for interacting with the DOM are:

• document.getElementById(): Gets an element by its unique identifier.
• document.querySelector(): Selects the first element that matches a CSS selector.
• document.querySelectorAll(): Selects all elements that match a CSS selector.
• element.innerHTML: Modifies the internal HTML content of an element.
• element.style: Changes CSS styles directly from JavaScript.
• addEventListener(): Assigns events to elements, such as clicks, mouse movements, among others.

  Understanding how the DOM works is key to creating modern and highly interactive web applications.