DOM Attribute – Handle Element Properties in XML and HTML

Introduction – Why Learn About DOM Attributes?

Attributes are key-value pairs that add metadata or properties to elements. In the DOM (Document Object Model), each attribute is represented as a Attr node attached to an Element. Whether you’re working with XML or HTML, knowing how to read, modify, and manage DOM attributes is crucial for dynamic content rendering, validation, and scripting.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What the Attr node represents in the DOM
• How to get, set, and remove attributes
• Difference between attributes and properties
• Use cases in HTML, XML, and JavaScript

What Is a DOM Attribute?

In the DOM, an attribute is a node (nodeType = 2) that belongs to an Element. Attributes:

• Are not child nodes of the element
• Are stored in the NamedNodeMap accessible via .attributes
• Can be accessed by name or index

Attributes are always strings—even if they represent numbers or booleans.

XML Example

<book id="b101" category="fiction" language="en"/>

• id, category, and language are all Attr nodes
• They are not children of <book>, but part of its .attributes

Accessing Attributes in JavaScript

Get an attribute:

element.getAttribute("id"); // "b101"

Set or update an attribute:

element.setAttribute("language", "fr");

Remove an attribute:

element.removeAttribute("category");

Check if an attribute exists:

element.hasAttribute("id"); // true

Access Attribute Node (NamedNodeMap)

const attrNode = element.attributes.getNamedItem("language");
console.log(attrNode.name);  // "language"
console.log(attrNode.value); // "en"

Useful when you want to work with the Attr node itself rather than just its value.

Attribute vs Property (HTML)

Attribute Node Properties

Best Practices with DOM Attributes

• ✔️ Use getAttribute() and setAttribute() for XML-safe operations
• ✔️ Always treat attribute values as strings unless converted
• ✔️ Validate attributes before use (hasAttribute())
• ✔️ Use removeAttribute() to reset or clean up unused data
• Don’t confuse HTML DOM properties (e.g., checked) with attributes
• Avoid accessing .attributes[i] unless necessary—prefer getAttribute(name)

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

DOM attributes define and store information about elements, enabling dynamic interaction, data management, and configuration. Mastering attributes allows you to control both presentation and logic in web and XML-based applications.

Key Takeaways:

• Attributes are Attr nodes with nodeType = 2
• Access them using getAttribute(), setAttribute(), or .attributes
• Use with caution in HTML vs XML—behavior can differ

Real-world relevance: Essential in form data handling, XML validation, web frameworks, templating, and dynamic content injection.

FAQs – DOM Attribute

Is an attribute a child of an element?
No. Attributes belong to .attributes, not childNodes.

Are attribute values always strings?
Yes. Even if the original data is numeric or boolean.

How do I list all attributes of an element?
Use element.attributes and loop through the NamedNodeMap.

What’s the difference between attr.value and getAttribute()?
Both give you the attribute value, but attr is the node, and getAttribute is a utility method.

Can attributes contain special characters?
Only if escaped (in XML). In HTML, some attributes can handle it more loosely.