JavaScript getcomputedstyle

What is JavaScript getComputedStyle? | Example Program To Use

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In this article, we will explore JavaScript getComputedStyle, including its syntax, parameters, and return value. Also, this guide provides example programs for the benefit of both beginners and seasoned developers.

What is JavaScript getComputedStyle?

The getComputedStyle of JavaScript is a method that allows you to retrieve the computed style of an element in a web page.

When a web browser renders a webpage, it calculates the final styles applied to each element, taking into account styles defined in CSS files, inline styles, and any other relevant factors like the browser’s default styles.

The getComputedStyle method enables you to access these computed styles programmatically. You can use it to retrieve the computed values for properties like color, font-size, margin, padding, and many others for a specific HTML element.

Let’s break down the getComputedStyle function in JavaScript, including its syntax, parameters, and return value.

Syntax

var computedStyle = window.getComputedStyle(element, pseudoElement);

Parameter

  • element (required): This is the HTML element for which you want to get the computed style. It is a required parameter and should be a reference to a DOM element.

  • pseudoElement (optional): This parameter is also an optional argument. It specifies a pseudo-element (like ::before or ::after) for which you want to get the computed style. If you don’t need to get the style of a pseudo-element, you can omit this parameter or pass null.

Return Value

The getComputedStyle function returns a CSSStyleDeclaration object that contains the computed styles for the specified element. This object represents the styles as a collection of CSS properties and their associated values.

You can access specific style properties and their values from the CSSStyleDeclaration object using methods like getPropertyValue() or by directly accessing properties on the object.

getComputedStyle Example Programs

So! here are a few more examples of how to use getComputedStyle() in JavaScript:

Example 1: Changing an Element’s Width Based on Computed Width

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Computed Style Example</title>
    <style>
        .wide-element {
            width: 300px;
            background-color: lightblue;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <div id="myElement" class="wide-element">This is a wide element</div>

    <script>
        var myElement = document.getElementById('myElement');

        // Get the computed style of the element
        var computedStyle = window.getComputedStyle(myElement);

        // Check the computed width
        var width = computedStyle.getPropertyValue('width');

        // Convert the width to a number (removing 'px' unit)
        var widthValue = parseFloat(width);

        // Modify the element's width based on the computed width
        if (widthValue > 200) {
            myElement.style.width = (widthValue + 100) + 'px';
        }
    </script>
</body>
</html>

Output:

Output
Output

In this example, we retrieve the computed width of the myElement and increase its width by 100 pixels if the computed width is greater than 200 pixels.

Example 2: Checking for a Computed Property Value

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Computed Style Example</title>
    <style>
        #myElement {
            display: none;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <div id="myElement">This is a hidden element</div>

    <script>
        var myElement = document.getElementById('myElement');

        // Get the computed style of the element
        var computedStyle = window.getComputedStyle(myElement);

        // Check if the element is hidden (display property is "none")
        var displayPropertyValue = computedStyle.getPropertyValue('display');

        if (displayPropertyValue === 'none') {
            console.log('The element is hidden.');
        } else {
            console.log('The element is visible.');
        }
    </script>
</body>
</html>

Output:

The element is hidden.

In this example, we retrieve the computed value of the display property for the myElement and check if it’s set to “none” to determine if the element is hidden.

These examples demonstrate different ways you can use getComputedStyle() to access and manipulate computed styles in your JavaScript code for various scenarios in web development.

FAQs

Can I modify styles using getComputedStyle?

No, getComputedStyle is read-only. To modify styles, you’ll need to use other methods or properties, such as element.style.

Is getComputedStyle cross-browser compatible?

Yes, getComputedStyle is supported in all major browsers, making it a reliable choice for web development.

What’s the difference between getComputedStyle and element.style?

While getComputedStyle provides computed styles, element.style accesses inline styles, which can be modified directly.

I think we already covered everything we need to know about this article trying to convey.

Nevertheless, you can also check these articles to enhance your JavaScript manipulation skills.

Conclusion

JavaScript’s getComputedStyle is a powerful tool that enhances the capabilities of web developers. Its ability to access computed styles empowers responsive design, animations, and troubleshooting. By mastering this method, you can take your web development skills to the next level.

Incorporate getComputedStyle into your toolkit, and you’ll find yourself crafting more dynamic and visually appealing websites. As you explore its features and dive into its applications, you’ll unlock new possibilities in the world of web development.

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