jQuery empty selector (null selector)

Question

Sometimes it is useful to have an empty jQuery object, to be used either as a default value or as an initial value, when constructing a collection of items.

For an example, see here.

One way to do it would be to use a selector which is unlikely to match anything, like $('skdhjfksjdhfksjhdf'), but this is obviously inelegant.

How can I get an empty jQuery object in elegant style ?

What do you mean? Perhaps further explanation and complete sentences would help garner an answer. — Michael Brown
– Michael Brown, Commented Aug 4, 2009 at 16:42
I'm using empty jQuery object when I need to make an operation on an undetermined number of nodes (where zero is an acceptable solution). It can be to add a class on several inputs when validating a form or to filter a list of items. — Shaffe
– Shaffe, Commented Sep 4, 2016 at 9:44

itsadok · Accepted Answer · 2011-06-26 10:02:01Z

34

Starting with jQuery 1.4, a simple $() will return an empty set. jQuery 1.4 release notes ("jQuery() returns an empty set").

For earlier versions, use $([])

edited Jun 26, 2011 at 10:02

answered Jul 14, 2010 at 15:30

itsadok

29.5k32 gold badges133 silver badges176 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

scunliffe · Accepted Answer · 2009-08-04 16:19:18Z

1

Do you mean...

//just get jQuery...
var foo = $();

//or just get the browser using jQuery...
if($.browser.msie){
  alert('You are using the blue e!');
}

answered Aug 4, 2009 at 16:19

scunliffe

63.8k26 gold badges132 silver badges168 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

jQuery empty selector (null selector)

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related