Is Programmatically Triggering HTML SELECT Dropdown Functionality Still Possible?

Programmatic Invocation of HTML SELECT Dropdown

Despite common misconceptions, it was once possible to programmatically trigger the drop-down functionality of elements through JavaScript, even without relying on mouseover events. However, this method is now deprecated and no longer supported.

Chrome-Specific Accessibility

This technique was briefly functional in Chrome due to the browser's interpretation of the W3C Working Draft for HTML5. The draft specified that "certain elements...have an activation behavior." This implied that the default action for elements with defined activation behaviors (including

) should be to execute synthetic click actions upon activation by means other than a direct click.

Implementation and Deprecation

Using document.createEvent() and .dispatchEvent() allowed programmers to create synthetic mouse-down events, triggering the display of options. This method was demonstrated in a working Fiddle. However, subsequent updates deprecated this functionality, leaving users unable to programmatically initiate dropdowns.

Please note that this technique is now outdated and should not be used for current development purposes.

The above is the detailed content of Is Programmatically Triggering HTML SELECT Dropdown Functionality Still Possible?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!