Make It APPEND, CHILE (Just Make It Work) !

Working with the Document Object Model (DOM) is a popular chore in the JavaScript developer community. Developers can add elements to HTML documents dynamically by using JavaScript's append() and appendChild() functions to alter the Document Object Model (DOM). Append() and appendChild() are two often used methods for adding elements to the DOM. While they appear to be identical, they have unique variances that can affect their use in a variety of situations. This blog will go into the complexities of these strategies, emphasizing their parallels, distinctions, benefits, and drawbacks.

The primary function of append() and appendChild() is to add components or content to an existing DOM element. They can be used to add nodes, text, or existing elements to the DOM tree. Simple enough, so far ? Okay, great! Let's dive in some more.

Let's Talk About Append !

The append() method is a component of the DOM specification -- duh, we're aware! After the last child of the element, a series of Node or string objects are inserted using the Element.append() method. Similar Text nodes are inserted as String objects. The english translation of that is : Its main purpose is to add nodes, or a series of nodes, to a parent node. A DOMString, a Node, or a series of Node-like objects can be used as inputs for this method, which takes multiple arguments. It is adaptable and makes adding several items in a single call easier. Append() can take in a set of objects or string objects to a specified element, which is a relatively new addition to JavaScript. One very important aspect to point out is the return value for append() is nothing (undefined). This differs from its counterpart appendChild() which returns the appended object!

Great, now that's over with let's get into append's stiff step sister, shall we?

appendChild(), CHILE.

The appendChild() method only enables you to append a single node to the end of a given element. Seem stiff? That's because the child is. As I mentioned earlier, a crucial point to remember is the node that was added is returned by the appendChild method. Even though, appendChild() is an older, stiffer DOM technique it's an essential detail to know it adds a node as the final child of a parent node by appending. It accepts a single parameter, which is the node to be added. If the node already exists in the DOM, it is detached from its current parent and attached to the new parent. appendChild() only takes Node objects, however Element.append() also lets you append string objects. Node.appendChild() can only append one node, however Element.attach() can append many nodes and strings. My 'only' counter at three but I promise it feels like I've said it three thousand times. It is because I truly want to hone in on the fact that appendChild() can only append one node to an element or document. Nothing more, nothing less.

Okay, Let's Take It Home Before The Street Lights Come On! Or Before You Stop Reading ...

In a nutshell, append() and appendChild() are critical methods for dynamically altering the DOM in JavaScript. While append() is a more sophisticated, versatile, and adaptable method that can add several elements at once, appendChild() is a simpler technique that appends a single node as the last child. The decision between them is contingent upon the unique requirements of the development task at hand, and the developer behind the screen. You can choose to exploit the different ways based on your programming tastes and the intricacy of the necessary DOM manipulation. Regardless of your choice make it append() but ultimately chile just make it work FOR YOU!