The Document Object Model (DOM), Part II

The Document Object Model (DOM), Part II

Last column we introduced the Document Object Model (DOM), supported by both Internet Explorer 5.0 and up, and Netscape's Gecko. We showed you how to analyze and synthesize the models of a table and a simple three-paragraph document. In this column we'll get deeper into the Document Object Model's capabilities. We'll analyze and synthesize the models of more complex documents and two HTML elements.

Last time we explained the benefits and the strength of the Document Object Model. The DOM is very intuitive, consistent, and easy to use. The compound documents we'll present here will demonstrate these advantages very clearly. By the end of this column you'll be able to take any HTML document, analyze it, and figure out how its DOM tree should look like. You'll also be able to navigate the tree up, down, and sideways.

In particular, you'll learn:

• How to analyze the object structure of an unordered HTML list..
• How to navigate the object structure of an unordered HTML list.
• How to draw the object structure of an unordered HTML list.
• How to navigate the object structure of a descriptive HTML list.
• How to draw the object structure of a descriptive HTML list.
• How to analyze the object structure of a complex HTML document.
• How to navigate the object structure of a complex HTML document.
• How to draw the object structure of a complex HTML document.