How to select an element by its value using a javascript variable?

Question

I have a form with a select box whose options are pre selected by ajax according to a previous value entered by the user.

I need to add text to these options pre selected ONLY.

for (i in data) {
        $("#my_select_box_id").val(data[i][0]).attr('selected',true);
        var id_option = data[i][0];

        //this following line doesn't work, why do I do wrong here ?
        $("#my_select_box_id option[value="id_option"]).html(data[i][1]);
}

You have a missing " - see the colour coding of the problem line. — Niet the Dark Absol
– Niet the Dark Absol, Commented Oct 17, 2012 at 15:52

I Hate Lazy · Accepted Answer · 2012-10-17 15:56:30Z

2

Use the :selected selector if you want currently selected options.

$("#my_select_box_id option:selected")

Your code didn't work because you were prematurely closing the selector string instead of concatenating. This results in an error.

$("#my_select_box_id option[value='" + id_option + "']");

Also, the attribute selector should only work on attributes. I don't know about jQuery though because they've historically diminished the distinction between properties an attributes. So it depends if .attr() is actually setting the attribute of the property.

edited Oct 17, 2012 at 15:56

answered Oct 17, 2012 at 15:51

I Hate Lazy

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