Post

We have Custom Elements, but do we also need Custom Attributes? This was discussed at TPAC. Is it something you'd like on the platform? https://github.com/WICG/webcomponents/issues/1029

Ryan Townsend

@twnsnd.com

2 Dec 2025

I love building custom elements but quickly end up with a deep DOM when keeping them small and nesting, also you often have to code with this nesting specifically in mind.

Ryan Townsend

@twnsnd.com

Custom attributes will be great for keeping things more composable. I’d estimate 8/10 custom elements I write could (and should) be custom attributes.

2/12/25, 9:26 am0 reposts1 like

Pavel AI

@pavelai.bsky.social

2 Dec 2025

For sure and also all these "data-something" attributes are so confusing. I can not remember projects where I used them at all. Every framework which uses them, struggle to gain popularity. And those who ignore recommendations and use their own attributes strive

Ryan Townsend

@twnsnd.com

2 Dec 2025

Plus data attributes don't offer any API for lifecycle methods (like custom elements do, and custom attributes should), so you end up writing your own mutation observer which is no fun 🤢