2R - DOM Specification

Define/Explain the DOM

The DOM stands for Document Object Model. It's a programming interface for web documents. It represents a web page in the form of a tree-like structure of nodes and elements. Every HTML element, attribute, and text node is represented by a node in the DOM. These nodes can be accessed and manipulated using JavaScript, allowing you to dynamically change content and appearance of the web page without relaoding it. You can add, remove, or modify HTML elements and content, respond to user actions, and create animations and effects.

DOM Specifications

The W3C sets the standards for DOM Specifications, with the topic covered in depth by clicking on this link https://www.w3.org/TR/WD-DOM/. The general requirements of the document object model are:

1. The Object Model is language neutral and platform independent.
2. There will be a core DOM that is applicable to HTML, CSS and XML documents.
3. The Object Model can be used to construct and deconstruct the document.
4. The Object Model will not preclude use by either agents external to the document content, or scripts embedded within the document.
5. Consistent naming conventions must be used through all levels of the Object Model.
6. A visual UI component will not be required for a conforming implementation of the Object Model.
7. The specific HTML, CSS or XML document object models will be driven by the underlying constructs of those languages.
8. It must be possible to read in a document and write out a structurally isomorphic document.
9. The Object Model will not expose the user to problems with security, validity, or privacy.
10. The Object Model will not preclude other mechanisms for manipulating documents.

DOM Implementation in Browsers

When web pages are loaded, browsers create a structured representation of the page in the form of a DOM tree by using built-in code and platform-specific APIs. The tree-like structure is stored in memory, and can be accessed and manipulated using JavaScript. While every browser has its own implementation of the DOM, they all adhere to the same set of standards defined by the W3C.

Summary of the Documentation

In summary, the DOM (Document Object Model) is a programming interface for web documents that represent a web page as a tree-like structure of nodes and elements, allowing developers to change the content of a webpage without reloading it. The DOM specifications are a set of documents that define the technical details of how the DOM should work. Web browsers implement the DOM using a combination of built-in code and platform-specific APIs, but they all follow standards set by the W3C.