NodeList.item()

Returns a node from a NodeList by index. This method doesn't throw exceptions as long as you provide arguments. A value of null is returned if the index is out of range, and a TypeError is thrown if no argument is provided.

Syntax

nodeItem = nodeList.item(index)
  • nodeList is a NodeList. This is usually obtained from another DOM property or method, such as childNodes.
  • index is the index of the node to be fetched. The index is zero-based.
  • nodeItem is the indexth node in the nodeList returned by the item method.

Alternate Syntax

JavaScript also offers an array-like bracketed syntax for obtaining an item from a NodeList by index:

nodeItem = nodeList[index]

Example

var tables = document.getElementsByTagName("table");
var firstTable = tables.item(1); // or simply tables[1] - returns the second table in the DOM

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
DOM
The definition of 'NodeList: item' in that specification.
Living Standard

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
itemChrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support YesIE ? Opera Full support YesSafari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support YesOpera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support YesSamsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support
Full support
Compatibility unknown
Compatibility unknown