jQuery .prop() vs. .attr(): When Should I Use Which?

jQuery's .prop() vs .attr(): A Fundamental Difference

jQuery 1.6 introduced the new .prop() method, raising questions about its relationship with the existing .attr() function.

When to Use .prop()

Generally, you should prioritize .prop() over .attr() because:

• Reflects Property Values: .prop() directly manipulates a DOM element's properties, which represent the element's actual state, such as checked or style.
• Simpler and More Intuitive: Properties are often simpler to work with than attributes. For instance, .prop('checked') directly returns the checkbox's checked state as a boolean, while .attr('checked') requires complex checks.

When to Use .attr()

In specific cases, .attr() may still be necessary:

• XML Attributes: To manipulate attributes that do not correspond to any DOM property, such as XML attributes.

Difference in Behavior

In jQuery 1.6, .prop() does what .attr() did in previous versions. However, this changed slightly in jQuery 1.6.1. Specifically:

• Boolean Attributes: In jQuery 1.6.1, .attr() reverted to its old behavior for Boolean attributes (e.g., checked, disabled) and represents the default state rather than the current visible state.

Impact on Existing Code

If you upgrade to jQuery 1.6 and use .prop() where you previously used .attr(), most of your code should work as expected. However, some Boolean attribute access from .attr() may need adjustment.

Understanding Properties vs. Attributes

This change highlights the distinction between DOM properties and attributes:

• Properties: Represent the dynamic state of an element, such as its checked state or current style. They are accessed directly through .prop().
• Attributes: Typically strings stored in HTML and representing default or initial values. They are accessed through .attr().

Understanding this difference simplifies element manipulation in the future.

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