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I have an <input> element which is loaded with a default value. Later on, i change that value via jQuery's input.val("different value").

When I console.log() the element, I see this in firebug:

Object[input.cs_required.form-control.input-sm property value = "12/29/2014" attribute value = "12/02/2014"]
  • Why are there two different values assigned to the input?
  • What is the difference between the property value and the attribute value?
  • Should I be concerned?
ChrisA
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  • Not sure why they are different but Attributes are defined by HTML and Properties are defined by DOM. – Miguel Mota Dec 02 '14 at 22:01
  • I think there is a good explanation [here](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/258469/what-is-the-difference-between-attribute-and-property) – Andrew Johnston Dec 02 '14 at 22:01
  • a property, in general, is a setter (method) and getter (method) that is 'used' as a 'field/member', or in right or left value assignemnt; like any other method, it runs procedural code in the respective method that is called, depending whether you are setting to or getting from. Attributes, are type describers.. use primarily for annotation. – Brett Caswell Dec 02 '14 at 22:14

2 Answers2

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Quick example of the difference:

jQuery('#something').val() changes the *.value property. jQuery('#something').attr('value','neValue') changes the attribute on that component.

There is an important difference between the two. Take a look at this for more info.

What's the difference between jQuery .val() and .attr('value')?

The only thing you have to worry about is whether you are using/assigning/utilizing the correct item - property or attribute.

Community
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Mechkov
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As you said, you are providing a default value via the value HTML attribute. That will be the initial value of the DOM element's value property. Changing the propery does not affect the attribute.

The value of HTML attributes is often used as initial value for the corresponding DOM property.

Felix Kling
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