Correct jQuery Syntax for accessing text of array in one line

Question

I am trying to access the text of the first "th" element of the first element of "rows" with jQuery and would like to do so in one line

var currentStation = $(rows[0]).find("th")[0].text();

What would be the correct syntax to do so? I am able to get the "th" element, but as soon as I try to access the text I get error messages. I already tried numerous variations of different brackets combinations, but each one threw me errors.

It's beecause you're using [0] at the end - this accesses the element, not the jQuery object, which is why .text() will no longer work as that's for jQuery only. Replacing .text() with .innerText should work. — user7290573
– user7290573, Commented Aug 29, 2019 at 9:09
what's wrong with var text = rows[0].cells[0].innerText; ? — Scriptkiddy1337
– Scriptkiddy1337, Commented Aug 29, 2019 at 9:10
@user7290573 Thanks! I think that boils down to the exact problem I had so far working with jQuery. I have neve made a clear distinction between jQuery objects and elements. You helped me a lot, thanks! — diamon
– diamon, Commented Aug 29, 2019 at 9:22

Jack Bashford · Accepted Answer · 2019-08-29 09:15:58Z

3

The issue is that your [0] on find("th") takes the HTML element out of the jQuery object. The easiest way to do this is to either use innerText instead of text:

var currentStation = $(rows[0]).find("th")[0].innerText;

Or don't use [0], rather first:

var currentStation = $(rows[0]).find("th:first").text();

(Or another first):

var currentStation = $(rows[0]).find("th").first().text();

edited Aug 29, 2019 at 9:15

answered Aug 29, 2019 at 9:11

Jack Bashford

44.3k11 gold badges56 silver badges84 bronze badges

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

2 Comments

Jack Bashford Over a year ago

Yes, was just about to add that @freedomn-m :p

user7290573 Over a year ago

Or yet another: .eq(0)

Quentin · Accepted Answer · 2019-08-29 09:10:58Z

1

text() is a method on jQuery objects.

You are extracting the DOM element object from the jQuery object and then trying to call text() on the DOM element object.

Use the :first selector instead (note this is a jQuery selector and not a CSS selector)

const $firstRow = $(rows[0]);
const $firstTh = $firstRow.find("th:first");
var currentStation = $firstTh.text();

answered Aug 29, 2019 at 9:10

Quentin

949k136 gold badges1.3k silver badges1.4k bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Correct jQuery Syntax for accessing text of array in one line

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related