Passing a string with apostrophe to javascript function

Question

I have a situation where I need to pass a string with an apostrophe in it to a javascript function. This function then takes the string and uses it to find the element by id in the DOM. As an example, I need to call:

showElement('what's')

function showElement(element_id){
     document.getElementById(element_id).style.display = "block";
}

I tried escaping the apostrophe like showElement('what\'s') but that did not seem to work. Is this possible at all?

As a general rule, I would say stay away from using apostrophe's in your element IDs. — Derek Swingley
– Derek Swingley, Commented Feb 19, 2010 at 5:39
i believe using apostrophes for an element ID is invalid html — lock
– lock, Commented Feb 19, 2010 at 5:42

Adriaan Stander · Accepted Answer · 2010-02-19 05:37:23Z

5

Have a look at JavaScript Escape Characters

Try using a backslash \

Something like

showElement('what\'s') 

function showElement(element_id){ 
     document.getElementById(element_id).style.display = "block"; 
}

answered Feb 19, 2010 at 5:37

Adriaan Stander

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vava · Accepted Answer · 2010-02-19 05:43:07Z

2

You have entirely different problem here. id attribute can't have ' symbols inside and you won't be able to search for such an id with getElementById. Escaping works though, just not in this case.

answered Feb 19, 2010 at 5:43

vava

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Comments

jasonmw · Accepted Answer · 2010-02-19 05:37:52Z

1

showElement("what's")

Double quote around string with single quote inside.

answered Feb 19, 2010 at 5:37

jasonmw

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