How Can JavaScript Function Name Conflicts with Element IDs Be Avoided?

Element ID Collision: Uncovering JavaScript Function Name Conflicts

JavaScript presents a longstanding issue where function names can conflict with element IDs, leading to runtime errors. This behavior finds its roots in JavaScript's early implementation, where there was no clear distinction between programming language and DOM API.

Origin of the Issue

In JavaScript, when a form control (e.g., a select element) is contained within a form, the form object becomes a component of the control's scope chain. This means that elements within the form can be accessed using their names as properties of the form object. However, this convenience feature can have unintended consequences.

Consider the following code:

<select>

In this scenario, using 'border' as both a function name and an element ID results in a conflict. When the onchange event fires, instead of calling the border() function, the JavaScript interpreter mistakenly attempts to execute the border object as a function. This causes a runtime error, as the object is not callable.

Specifications and Restrictions

The JavaScript specifications do not explicitly address conflicts between function names and element IDs. However, the practical implementation of the DOM API has led to this behavior becoming a common pitfall.

Consequences

This issue can lead to confusion and programming errors. It is essential to avoid using the same name or ID for both form controls and user-defined functions, as well as for built-in form properties such as action and submit. Doing so can prevent unexpected behavior and ensure the reliability of your code.

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