When diving into Backbone.js views, one might encounter some confusion regarding the terms `el` and `$el` and their usage. These two concepts play important roles in manipulating the DOM within Backbone.js applications, so let's break down the difference between them to help you navigate your way through building smoother and more efficient web applications.
First, let's start with `el`. In Backbone.js, `el` refers to the raw DOM element that a view is associated with. When you instantiate a view in Backbone.js, you can specify the `el` property to connect it to a specific DOM element in your HTML. By doing so, the view gains control over that specific DOM element and can manipulate its content and behavior. For example, you can target a `
` element in your HTML file by setting `el: '#app'` when creating a new view.
On the other hand, `$el` represents the cached jQuery object of the `el` property. By using `$el`, you leverage the power and simplicity of jQuery to manipulate the DOM element associated with the view. This cached jQuery object provides a convenient way to access and modify elements within the view without having to query the DOM repeatedly, which can improve performance and reduce duplicate code. For instance, you can use `$el.find('.btn')` to target all buttons inside the view instead of searching the entire document for them.
It's important to note that `el` and `$el` are closely related but serve slightly different purposes. While `el` refers to the actual DOM element, `$el` stores a jQuery object representing that DOM element. Therefore, you can directly manipulate `el` for native DOM operations and use `$el` for jQuery operations within the context of a Backbone.js view.
Another key distinction is that `el` is a property of the view object, while `$el` is not. By accessing `el`, you interact with the raw DOM element directly through Backbone.js, while utilizing `$el` leverages jQuery's functionality on that DOM element within the view.
In summary, understanding the difference between `el` and `$el` in Backbone.js views is crucial for effectively managing your application's DOM elements. By using `el` to reference the raw DOM element and `$el` to manipulate it with jQuery, you can streamline your code, enhance performance, and create more interactive user interfaces.
So, the next time you're working with Backbone.js views, remember that `el` is the key to the doorway of the DOM element, and `$el` is the tool you wield to unlock its full potential. Happy coding!