The answer
Add one listener on the ul: ul.addEventListener('click', e => { if (e.target.matches('.list-item')) handle(e.target); }). Check e.target to determine which item was clicked. Works for dynamic items.
Event Delegation Implementation Examples
How do you handle event delegation for a list in JavaScript?
More FAQs in Event Delegation Implementation Examples
When the click is on a child (like a button inside a row), use e.target.closest('tr') to find the relevant parent: const row = e.target.closest('tr'); if (row) handle(row). This finds the nearest ancestor matching the selector.
Add one listener on the list: list.addEventListener('click', e => { if (e.target.matches('.delete-btn')) e.target.closest('li').remove(); }). New items with delete buttons work automatically without adding new listeners.
closest() finds the nearest ancestor (including the element itself) that matches a CSS selector. For example, e.target.closest('.menu-item') finds the menu item even if the click was on a child element inside the menu item.
Still have questions?
Browse all our FAQs or reach out to our support team
Want to upskill yourself?
Your learning library
Small steps. Big possibilities.
Find your next course. Build something great.