The correct spelling of the term "id selector" is /aɪˈdi sɪˈlɛktər/. The first syllable is pronounced as a long "i" sound, followed by a stressed "d" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a soft "s" sound and a stressed "l" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound, a hard "k" sound, and a soft "t" sound. The term "id selector" is used in computer programming to describe a CSS selector that distinguishes a single HTML element.
The term "id selector" refers to a feature used in computer programming and web development, specifically in the context of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). It is a method to uniquely identify and target a specific HTML element within a web page or document for styling and manipulation.
In CSS, an id selector is denoted by the "#" symbol followed by an identifier name, usually referred to as the "id" attribute, assigned to an HTML element. This identifier is meant to be unique within the entire document, ensuring that only a single element is targeted. For example, if an HTML div element has the id attribute set as "myDiv", the corresponding id selector would be "#myDiv".
Id selectors carry higher specificity compared to other CSS selectors, such as class selectors, element selectors, or pseudo-selectors. This means that styles defined using an id selector will override conflicting styles applied using less specific selectors.
When an id selector is applied to an element, it becomes possible to apply various CSS rules and properties to that element. These changes can include altering the element's color, font, position, size, and other formatting aspects. By using id selectors, developers gain greater control over the visual appearance and behavior of specific elements on a web page, allowing for more precise customization and flexibility in rendering the content.
The term "id selector" in computer programming and web development has its etymology rooted in the field of psychology, specifically in Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory. In Freudian psychology, the id represents the primal and instinctual part of the human psyche, which operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of desires.
The id selector in programming borrows this concept and refers to a type of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) selector that is used to target and apply styles to a unique element on a web page. Like the id in psychology, the id selector is used to identify and satisfy a specific need within the webpage's layout and design.
Hence, the term "id selector" gets its etymology from the psychological concept of the id, as it mirrors the purpose of targeting and recognizing the unique element's identity within a webpage.