imgElements

imgElements is a lightweight client-side utility for managing HTML image elements. It provides a set of tools and conventions to simplify responsive images, lazy loading, placeholder handling, fallback sources, and accessibility attributes while integrating with standard browser features such as srcset and loading.

The library is designed for progressive enhancement: it augments native <img> behavior when available and falls back gracefully on older browsers. Typical features include intersection-observer-based lazy loading, automatic switching between resolution or format variants (using srcset and sizes), low-resolution placeholders or blur-up effects, error handling with alternate sources, and hooks for events like load, error, and reveal. Accessibility considerations include preserving alt text, exposing loading state via ARIA attributes, and ensuring focus and keyboard behavior remain intact.

Usage patterns are minimal: developers apply data attributes or initialize imgElements against selected image nodes to enable functionality. imgElements is commonly used in content-rich sites, single-page applications, and component libraries where efficient image delivery and user experience are priorities.

Compatibility depends on the browser APIs used; polyfills are sometimes required for older environments. Alternatives and complementary tools include native browser lazy loading, picturefill, and larger image-management frameworks. imgElements is typically distributed as a small script or module and may be offered under permissive open-source licenses.