Set the first option value of a select using jquery

Question

Does anyone know how to set the first option value of a select using jquery? For example i have the following select tag.

<select id = "my-id">
    <option value=""></option>
</select>

I want to set the value. So far I have unsuccessfully attempted the following.

$("select#my-id").first().val("hello world");

document.getElementById('my-id').value="hello world";

$("select#my-id option")
         .each(function() {
                 this.text = query.eguide;
                 this.value =query.eguide;});

I took it as trying to actually change the value attribute of the first option, not making the first option be selected. — Danny, May 12 '14 at 15:33
Ive looked at that question above. I dont think its a duplicate. Im trying to set the value, not set it as selected. — sirFunkenstine, May 12 '14 at 15:42

ntzm · Accepted Answer · 2014-05-12T19:12:33.600

6

$("#my-id option:first").attr("value", "blahblah");

or (thanks to @Tom)

$("#my-id option:first").val("blahblah");

This will set the val attribute to blahblah. Obviously changing blahblah to whatever you need.

edited May 12 '14 at 19:12

answered May 12 '14 at 15:33

ntzm

4,663
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1

Does one have to use `attr("value", ...)` or would `val(...)` also work? – Tom May 12 '14 at 17:46
1

Just tested it now - It seems to do the same with, I will update the answer. You can see for yourself here: http://jsfiddle.net/N5h8F/ – ntzm May 12 '14 at 19:11

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered May 12 '14 at 15:41

2

And a solution with plain js you can try:

document.getElementById("my-id").options[0].value="TEST";

DEMO

answered May 12 '14 at 15:41

laaposto

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I guess the downvote is because of **[not enough jQuery](http://needsmorejquery.com/)** ? – laaposto Dec 02 '16 at 12:08

Set the first option value of a select using jquery

2 Answers2