What is the "generated" attribute seen in some HTML tag used for?

Question

I saw it used in a HTML label tag but I have a feeling that it can be used with most HTML tags. I can kinda guess what it means. But I am more curious about what's the benefit of using it. I tried to google for some reference about it but couldn't find any, so I come to you experts. Thanks.

Example:

<label for="first_name" generated="true" class="error">This field is required.</label>

Answer 1

You could use it as a hook for JavaScript and/or CSS.

For example...

CSS

label[generated=true] {
   color: #ccc;
}

JavaScript

var labels = document.getElementsByTagName('label');

for (var i = 0, length = labels.length; i < length; i++) {
    if (labels[i].getAttribute('generated') === 'true') {
       // Do something.
    }
}

It is often used on JavaScript generated elements, such as the label elements created by the jQuery Validation plugin.

You could use jQuery to clean up generated elements with...

$('*[generated=true]').remove();