DOM stands for Document Object Model. Although it’s a complex topic, it’s built into browsers, meaning the part programmers can access is much simpler and easier to manipulate.
This is a standard interface that allows browsers and scripts to manipulate the content of a web page without the need for automation or upgrades. This interface also organizes web browsing so that content is accessible to everyone.
This is a topic that is sure to be of interest to anyone who wants to or works with:
- Front-End;
- JavaScript;
- CSS;
- HTML;
- PWA;
- Web App;
Modern frameworks, such as Vue.js, Angular, and React.
If this is your case, continue reading and learn more about DOM!
What is DOM?
The DOM is used by the browser to represent your web page. It provides a structured representation of the document, like a branching tree, defining methods to structure the file’s style and content.
The DOM system is primarily used when you want to update a website or build an advanced user interface. It allows you to move america phone number list elements around on a page or create CSS effects —without even having to load the site.
But who defines how the DOM should work in browsers and web engines? It’s the W3C , or World Wide Web Consortium, which also manages other systems.
The W3C is an international organization founded in 1994 by Tim Berners-Lee, the father of the Internet, that develops open standards, ensuring the growth of the web.
Within the organization, there is a group called the Web Platform Working Group, responsible for the DOM. The W3C is responsible for various other standards, protocols, and languages, such as:
- CSS;
- HTML;
- XML;
- SVJ.
What is the origin of DOM?
The history of the DOM is intertwined with that of the Internet. The W3C needed to convince Netscape and Microsoft, among other companies, to develop a standardized scripting language.
It was from there that ECMAScript, popularly known as JavaScript, emerged and was published in 1997. With this cross-browser compatibility, the W3C was able to work on a standard DOM, known as DOM Level 1, in early 1998.
Of course, this initial version left some gaps, necessitating its refinement over time. Internet Explorer 5.0, for example, the browser used broadcast in whatsapp at the time, was supported; but it was quite limited.
As a result, web applications were hampered by code and workarounds, as functionality was limited. It was necessary to constantly check the browser and version being used for the DOM to work.
Many people even used a small banner in the footer informing users of the recommended browser and resolution for browsing their website. This way, users could choose to change their browser for better speed and quality.
Since the release of DOM, many versions have been created, adding various features that we use today, such as:
- GetElementByid;
- Event manipulation;
- Serialization.
Since 2014, DOM Level 4 has been under development.
What are the advantages of this interface?
With the DOM, programmers have endless possibilities. It allows them to create applications that modify page data without the need for a refresh, for example.
It’s also possible to create user-customizable applications and change the page layout; this activity also doesn’t require updating. The DOM allows for easy dragging, moving, and excluding elements, requiring minimal creativity from the professional to innovate.
Is it possible to use DOM in website development?
Despite all the W3C specifications, the DOM alone doesn’t solve all the problems of web programming. This system has some flaws, and it’s made available to programmers with the potential for errors.
For this reason, Front-End Libraries and Frameworks are used as an extra layer to ensure that work is always better from a japan data performance perspective.
JQuery , for example, did a great job in that regard; as did Vanilla JS , which is sort of pure JavaScript.
ECMA International , an association founded in 1961 and dedicated to standardizing information and communication systems, is responsible for ECMA Script , better known as JavaScript, and any other language authorized for use in browsers.
Even the Dart language , created by Google, was standardized by ECMA in 2014. This means that Dart could be used natively in browsers. In addition to Dart, C-Sharp is also on the list.