JavaScript

What Does insertAdjacentHTML() Method do in JavaScript

The “insertAdjacentHTML()” method comes from the “Element” interface of JavaScript. It inserts the HTML elements into a specific position at any time. It is useful for appending HTML functionalities by changing or adding the desired elements in web pages without affecting the existing elements. Also, it provides the simplest and easiest way to customize the existing HTML code.

This guide explains the objective, working, and usage of the “insertAdjacent HTML()” method in JavaScript.

What Does the “insertAdjacentHTML()” Method do in JavaScript?

The “insertAdjacentHTML()” method assists the users to inserts the HTML code into a particular position.

Syntax

element.insertAdjacentHTML(position, html)

In the above syntax:

  • element: It represents the associated HTML element.
  • position: It specifies the four relative positions of an HTML element, as follows:
  • beforebegin: Before the HTML element.
  • afterbegin: Right after the first child of the HTML element.
  • afterend: At the end of the HTML element.
  • beforeend: After the last child of the HTML element.
  • html: It refers to the inserted HTML element.

Example: Applying the “insertAdjacentHTML()” to Insert Elements At Relative Positions
This example applies the discussed method to insert the elements at the four specific positions with respect to a particular element i.e., “<ul>”.

HTML Code
First, go through the following HTML code:

<h2>insertAdjacentHTML() Method in JavaScript</h2>
<ul id="demo">
<li>Linux</li>
</ul>

In the above code snippet:

  • Firstly, create a subheading using the “<h2>” tag.
  • Next, utilize the “<ul>” tag to create the unordered list with an assigned id “demo”.
  • The “<li>“ tag adds up the stated item in the list.

JavaScript Code
Now, move on to the JavaScript code block:

<script>
 let list = document.getElementById("demo");
 list.insertAdjacentHTML('beforebegin', '<h2>Operating Systems</h2>');
 list.insertAdjacentHTML('afterbegin', '<li>Windows</li>');
 list.insertAdjacentHTML('beforeend', '<li>Mac OS</li>');
 list.insertAdjacentHTML('afterend', '<p>That’s all</p>');
</script>

In the above code snippet:

  • Declare a variable “list” that utilizes the “getElementById()” method to fetch the included “<ul>” element comprising the id “demo”.
  • Next, apply the “insertAdjacentHTML()” method to insert the subheading via the “<h2>” tag before the start of the “<ul>” i.e., at the “beforebegin” position.
  • After that, insert the item via the “<li>” tag after the start of the “<ul>” tag i.e., at the “afterbegin” position.
  • Again, use the ”<li>“ tag to add a list item before the end of the “<ul>” tag i.e., at the “beforeend” position.
  • Lastly, insert a paragraph with the help of the “<p>” tag after the end of the “<ul>” tag at the “afterend” position.

Output

As seen, all the defined HTML elements are inserted at their assigned position with the help of the “insertAdjacentHTML()” method.

Conclusion

JavaScript provides a well-reputed built-in “insertAdjacentHTML()” method for appending the HTML element at four different positions. It instructs the browser to adjust the stated HTML element at “beforebegin”, “beforeend”, “afterbegin”, and the “afterend” positions with respect to a particular element. This guide discussed the working and use of the “insertAdjacentHTML()” method in detail.

About the author

Talha Saif Malik

Talha is a contributor at Linux Hint with a vision to bring value and do useful things for the world. He loves to read, write and speak about Linux, Data, Computers and Technology.