How to target second child element of a div using JAVASCRIPT

Question

I'm not sure if this is possible, I rarely do when I ask questions on this site, but everyone keeps telling me to use jQuery to do so. I make websites, but I am VERY novice at all of this and would prefer to get solid grip on Javascript before moving forward.

Anyways, my question is "Is it possible to target a second child (i.e.

<div>
   <div></div>
   <div></div> <!--This one-->
</div>

using JAVASCRIPT in order to manipulate it? If so, how?"

My previous attempt didn't work, I had a strong feeling it wouldn't but, all the same.

function activateEvent(obj) {
    obj.secondChild.style.display="block";};

SLaks · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-14 13:39:23Z

9

obj.firstElementChild.nextElementSibling

(doesn't work in IE8)

Or

obj.children[1]

answered Aug 14, 2013 at 13:39

SLaks

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2 Comments

Felix Kling Over a year ago

obj.firstChild.nextSibling would get the first Element node assuming the HTML is as in the example (the text node containing the line break and the spaces is the first child).

Logan Cerson Over a year ago

Thank you SLaks, that obj.children[1] is a really useful thing, thank you again! :)

Chinciusan Marian · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-14 13:47:00Z

-3

You really should try to learn jQuery because it will make things a lot easier for you. Get the basics from plain Javascript and then learn a library like jQuery. you just need to load it into your website, then you can target the element in your exemple using: $('.parent div:nth-child(2)') It's that easy.

answered Aug 14, 2013 at 13:47

Chinciusan Marian

255 bronze badges

3 Comments

Logan Cerson Over a year ago

I know, and I will! : ) I just need time to get used to Javascript. I see all these things being done on other websites (with jQuery) and I AM SO JEALOUS! But, I'm just not there yet. ;P

Hashem Qolami Over a year ago

easier doesn't mean always better.

Quentin Over a year ago

The javascript tag says Unless a tag for a framework/library is also included, a pure JavaScript answer is expected

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