Document Object Model (DOM)

The Document Object Model (DOM) is used to define the parts of a document, be it HTML or other type.  In the scope of JavaScript, the DOM is used to define what elements can be accessed using the scripting language and changed.  The role of the DOM in web development is to define a standard so languages such as JavaScript can search through elements in a document and change them according to user input and other factors.  Development of websites has become more dynamic due to the ability for change using scripting languages.  This dynamic interface with the end user has created a more live approach to web surfing and presentation of content on the web.  Users can get feedback based on input directly from these client-side scripted pages.  Web browser vendors have developed browsers that can interact to provide the platform- and language-neutral interface features of the DOM to allow other languages to manipulate the contents displayed.  Developing the DOM has enabled the expansion of multiple browsers because it sets a standard on which others can build and comply.

Following the specifications recommended by the W3C is in best practice just as obeying defined courtesy laws in traffic.  If everyone developed a different solution to the object model, the referencing would be very browser-specific, and generally non-conformity leads to more confusion and lack of support.  Drivers and developers alike rely on a system of conformity on which they comply to get the optimal results from the task at hand.  The tested standard in place by the W3C, as defined, will result in the best compatibility between sites and browsers in the coming future.  That is why standards are in place, and that is why we look to them as a foundation on which to build.

The DOM is something I've referenced and used without first knowing it existed.  In the playground of development, getElementById was a necessary property on which I relied for changing a predefined web page to meet my personal taste.  I didn't know as much then as I do now, but it was an adventure which helps me appreciate the DOM now.  I can see its value in the development of browsers and in a world where no one can tell who will use what to access what is available.  Just as I have previously stated, some choose to conform to and others to dictate to the masses of the development sector.  W3C standards are generally dictations of what others should conform to when considering future development in the fields concerned, but as such, the dictations are generally derived from a collection of conformities collected over time and defined as best practice.