currentTarget vs. target in JavaScript Events: What's the Difference?

currentTarget vs. target in JavaScript Events: Unraveling the Differences

In the realm of JavaScript event handling, understanding the distinction between the currentTarget and target properties is crucial. Let's dive into their differences with the aid of an example.

Exploring the target Property

The target property represents the element that directly triggered the event. Consider the following scenario:

const button = document.querySelector('button');

button.addEventListener('click', (e) => {
  console.log(e.target); // Logs the button element clicked
});

In this example, when the button is clicked, the e.target will reference the button itself, as it is the element that initiated the click event.

Introducing the currentTarget Property

While target points to the event's initiator, currentTarget represents the element that the event handler is attached to. Let's modify our previous code:

const wrapper = document.querySelector('.wrapper');

wrapper.addEventListener('click', (e) => {
  console.log(e.currentTarget); // Logs the wrapper div
});

In this case, the e.currentTarget will reference the wrapper div, even if the click event originates from the button within it. This is because the event listener is attached to the wrapper, making it the controlling element.

Choosing the Right Property: Scenario-Based Guide

• Use target when: You need to access information about the element that непосредственно caused the event.
• Use currentTarget when: You want to work with the element that the event handler is attached to, regardless of where the event originated within that element's hierarchy.

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