Get Element Methods in JavaScript
From the DOM Manipulation cheat sheet · Element Selection · verified Jul 2026
Get Element Methods
Traditional DOM methods for selecting elements by ID, class, or tag
javascript
// Get single element by ID (fastest)
const element = document.getElementById('header')
// Get elements by class (returns live HTMLCollection)
const elements = document.getElementsByClassName('item')
// Get elements by tag name (returns live HTMLCollection)
const elements = document.getElementsByTagName('div')
// Get elements by name attribute (forms)
const elements = document.getElementsByName('email')💡 getElementById is the fastest selection method
⚠️ HTMLCollection is live and updates automatically
📌 No # or . prefix needed for getElementById/ClassName
✅ Convert to array for array methods