Events in Select Objects

JavaScript and Ajax based applications could launch any function with the right input. Although this could be found in other programming languages, JavaScript have the ability to launch certain functions even if the inputs are unconventional.

For example, the regular input from users could come in a form of data or clicking on a certain link. While this could be found in JavaScript as well, additional input could be used to launch certain functions in an Ajax based application. By combining these functions with the ability of the application to launch purely in the client side, developers could achieve a highly interactive application.

These functions are often based on the initial function that will retrieve data. One of those data retrieval options is when you use the function SELECT. As the name suggests, this function would target specific data which could be launched in the application.

Further customization in “select” function is possible as this function could be combined in three events. These events are selected based on the preference of the developer on what action should be required from the user’s end.

onBlur Event

This type of event is added when developers wanted to enable the actions away from the select function. The onBlur event tells the browser that the attached function should be executed when the cursor moves away from select. This is highly recommended when developers wanted to have additional reaction or functions after the user have left the specific page.

The challenge with onBlur event after the “select” function is to ensure that the next page or the receiving end of the function have been fully prepared. The outcome of the function in the onBlur event has to be properly accepted by the next page or with a new function for proper execution.

onChange Event

This form of event launches the application if it has detected any changes on the “select” data. The changes could be anything – from retrieval of new data and/or deletion of selected data. Any change within the “select” function would trigger another function.

Remember that this function should be executed within the JavaScript event. It doesn’t have to get out of the function or else the function could almost become an onBlur function.

That’s where the complication lies in onChange event. Because the changes are internal, there are no visible changes that should be expected from the application. In this case, developers have to carefully gauge the performance of the application to notice results.

onFocus Event

This form of event in “select” option could be considered as the opposite of onBlur function. Developers could use this to trigger more functions when the cursor or the user focuses on the selected data. It’s practically a basic event in JavaScript as it launches more functions.

Focus on functions not on data. The above three events related to “select” function should be used in dealing with more functions not on data. Although data could still be useful in using these functions, these events are used to deliver functions better to the client side.