How to use a reference variable in a jQuery?

Question

I learned that using a reference variable is faster than using $() every line of code (see my previous question): jQuery - Is it okay to use $('#ElementId') everytime?. Now my question is how can I use this reference variable to maximize the power of jQuery? Please see the example below:

Without reference variable:

var ValueOfSelected = $('#SelectElementId option:selected').val();

With reference variable (pseudo-code):

var SelectElement = $('#SelectElementId');
var ValueOfSelected = $(SelectElement).SelectedOption.val();

Note that SelectedOption.val() is the pseudo-code here. Is there such function anyway?

You don't need to do $(SelectElement) again, you can just use SelectElement directly. — casablanca
– casablanca, Commented Jul 1, 2011 at 3:28

user113716 · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-01 03:41:27Z

2

You can use .find() to find the nested option.

var SelectElement = $('#SelectElementId');
var ValueOfSelected = SelectElement.find('option:selected').val();

...but because it is a select element, you can just use the val()^[docs] method directly.

var SelectElement = $('#SelectElementId');
var ValueOfSelected = SelectElement.val();

This will give you the value of the selected option.

answered Jul 1, 2011 at 3:41

user113716

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1 Comment

kazinix Over a year ago

Ha ha! It's you again! Hey, This is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

user824152 · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-01 03:41:55Z

1

The result of a JQuery selector, in this case "SelectElement" can be accessed through out the rest of the script. You dont need to use the JQuery Selector "$()" a second time.

answered Jul 1, 2011 at 3:41

user824152

Comments

Calvin · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-01 04:03:30Z

1

var select_element = $('#SelectElementId');
// these two below gives you the same result
var value_of_selected = $('#SelectElementId option:selected').val();
var value_of_selected = select_element.val();

sometimes you don't really have to use reference variables. it's useful if you actually use it multiple times.

edited Jul 1, 2011 at 4:03

answered Jul 1, 2011 at 3:35

Calvin

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2 Comments

kazinix Over a year ago

You mean, I cannot use my reference variable in jQuery? This time I really need to use a reference variable 'coz I'll be using it for many times.

Calvin Over a year ago

i've edited my post to show how you can also use the reference variable.

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