normalize method

Merges adjacent Document Object Model (DOM) objects to produce a normalized document object model.

Syntax

HRESULT retVal = object.normalize();

Parameters

This method has no parameters.

Return value

Type: HRESULT

If this method succeeds, it returns S_OK. Otherwise, it returns an HRESULT error code.

Standards information

• Document Object Model (DOM) Level 3 Core Specification, Section 1.4

Remarks

By calling *object.*IHTMLElement4::normalize before the subelements of an object are manipulated, you ensure that the document object model has a consistent structure. The normal form is useful for operations that require a consistent document tree structure, and it ensures that the document object model view is identical when it is saved and reloaded.

Note  The IHTMLElement4::normalize method does not merge adjacent CDATA sections, allowing for an inconsistent object model when CDATA sections are present.

The IHTMLElement4::normalize method was introduced in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.