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I use the word "dropdown" because it's the word that the non-technical people I work with use. They're not thinking in terms of HTML elements. If they ask me fo
by nkrisc 7y ago
I use the word "dropdown" because it's the word that the non-technical people I work with use. They're not thinking in terms of HTML elements. If they ask me for a "dropdown" and I ask them if they "mean a <select> or a <datalist>?" they're going to think I'm just a pompous asshole.
I click it and it drops down. Ergo "dropdown." For better or worse, that's what it's called now.
- JohnFen 7y ago> They're not thinking in terms of HTML elements. That makes sense, as the term originated with UI development that predates HTML. It's a fairly precise term (although there are variations on dropdown styles, they're all unambiguously dropdowns). There's nothing wrong (and a lot right) with using the term if you're not talking specifically (or knowledgeable) about web interfaces. Even when used in relation to web interfaces, the meaning remains clear, even if the technical HTML terms differ.
- nkrisc 7y ago> That makes sense, as the term originated with UI development that predates HTML. Yes, but this post is focused on HTML which is why I phrased it in terms of HTML. The term "dropdown" is often used to describe a desired out come (a method of interaction in order to make a selection) and is often meant independently of the actual implementation, as browser, for example, will implement the control differently based on platform.