jQuery :last Selector

Posted in jQuery Tutorial

Updated on Oct 30, 2024

By Mari Selvan

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4 mins

1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

Introduction

In jQuery, selectors play a crucial role in targeting specific elements within a web page for manipulation. One such selector is :last, which allows you to select the last element of a matched set. Understanding how to use the :last selector effectively can streamline your code and enhance the functionality of your web applications.

In this guide, we'll explore the usage of the jQuery :last selector with practical examples to help you grasp its potential.

Understanding :last Selector

The :last selector in jQuery is used to select the last matched element within a set of elements. It is particularly useful when you want to target and manipulate the last element of a group, such as the last item in a list or the final element in a container.

Syntax

The syntax for the :last selector is straightforward:

syntax.js

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$("selector:last")

Example

Selecting the Last Element:

Consider a scenario where you have a list of items, and you want to select and manipulate the last item using jQuery. Here's how you can achieve this with the :last selector:
index.html
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```
<ul>
  <li>Item 1</li>
  <li>Item 2</li>
  <li>Item 3</li>
</ul>
```
example.js
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```
$("li:last").css("font-weight", "bold");
```
This will make the text of the last <li> element bold.
Applying Styles to the Last Element:

You can also apply CSS styles dynamically to the last element selected using the :last selector. For instance, let's change the background color of the last paragraph in a container:
index.html
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```
<div id="container">
  <p>Paragraph 1</p>
  <p>Paragraph 2</p>
  <p>Paragraph 3</p>
</div>
```
example.js
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```
$("#container p:last").css("background-color", "lightblue");
```
This will set the background color of the last <p> element within the #container div to light blue.
Targeting the Last Child Element:

You can also use the :last selector to target the last child element of a parent element. For example, let's select the last child <span> element within a <div>:
index.html
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```
<div id="parent">
  <span>Span 1</span>
  <span>Span 2</span>
  <span>Span 3</span>
</div>
```
example.js
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```
$("#parent span:last").addClass("highlight");
```
This will add a CSS class named highlight to the last <span> element within the #parent div.

Conclusion

The jQuery :last selector provides a convenient way to target and manipulate the final element within a selection, whether it's the last item in a list, the last child element within a container, or any other relevant scenario.

By mastering its usage and combining it with other selectors and methods, you can enhance the interactivity and functionality of your web applications effortlessly.