http://plugins.jquery.com/project/Values
Think of this as val() crossbred with serializeArray() and raised on steroids. Or a JSON<->HTML mapping tool. Or a template plugin that can handle complex data structures, works in reverse and uses only HTML as its syntax. It works with single values. It works with value arrays. It works with whole objects. Or all three combined. Oh, and did i mention that it is really easy to configure and/or extend? Flexibility abounds, but it mostly just works, making your code robust and simple. Just remember, it has a generic name, because it is generally useful (and values() makes more sense as a method than mycoolpluginname()). Here's a little demo of some of the simpler abilities: http://jquery-values.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/jquery.values.htm Here's a link to the latest version: http://jquery-values.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/jquery.values.js If you're curious about how it works but don't feel like reading the docs, here's the short version: - Put a name attributes on an element (any, not just input/select/textarea) - Call values() on that element (or a parent!! this is a key part!) to get back a JSON version. - Call values(myJSON) on that element to push values into the element(s) - Call values('foo') to get just the one value. - Call values('foo', 'bar') to set just the one value. This all works well with nested objects and arrays too. After all, the world is not flat; your data (or markup) shouldn't have to be either. Both JSON and HTML contain a lot of information in their very structure and types. Values takes advantage of this to make intelligent choices about how to map one to the other. If you ever disagree about those decisions or want to amend them, there's quite a few configuration options and ways to extend the plugin to handle new element types or just handle familiar ones differently. If you are using javascript to do anything more than make your pages do shiny animations, you have probably come across the need to write data into a page, extract data from your markup or just copy data around the page. jQuery's html(), text(), val() and even attr() methods are handy, but they only do so much for you. You still have to select the right elements to get/set the data and know which method is appropriate. In development especially, when your markup and/or data structures are frequently changing, this can become a pain point. Or even if it doesn't pain you, values() is a better way! Anyway, give it a try! It's fun! It's easy! Everyone is... wait... no, everyone is not doing it. At least, not yet. That's why i'm writing this. I think i've got something helpful here, and i'd like to share. I want all the joy and ego validation that having many users brings. But more than that, i want bug finders. I want bug fixers. I want help with docs and demos and extensions. I want good user questions. I want YOU! So, give it a try and send me some feedback. I can handle the abuse (i hope). Just reply to this email or write the list with [Values] in the subject so that i notice you. thanks, nathan
