Why is JavaScript Element Removal So Complicated, and How Can It Be Simplified?

Simplifying Element Removal in JavaScript

JavaScript's method for removing elements, which involves finding the parent node and then manually removing the element, can seem cumbersome. This begs the question: why is JavaScript designed in this manner?

While there may be technical reasons, one solution is to augment native DOM functions. This approach is not ideal for all cases, but it functions well in modern browsers.

Polyfill Method

Using the following code, you can extend the Element and NodeList prototypes to include a remove method:

Element.prototype.remove = function() {
    this.parentElement.removeChild(this);
}
NodeList.prototype.remove = HTMLCollection.prototype.remove = function() {
    for(var i = this.length - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
        if(this[i] && this[i].parentElement) {
            this[i].parentElement.removeChild(this[i]);
        }
    }
}

With this extension, removing elements becomes as simple as:

document.getElementById("my-element").remove();

Or:

document.getElementsByClassName("my-elements").remove();

While this solution works effectively in modern browsers, it does not support Internet Explorer 7 and below.

Modern Browser Solution

Fortunately, modern browsers (excluding IE) have introduced the node.remove() function. This function allows you to remove elements directly, without the need for the polyfill.

To use node.remove():

document.getElementById("my-element").remove();

Or:

[...document.getElementsByClassName("my-elements")].map(n => n && n.remove());

This approach is supported in all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.

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