Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In Java, jsoup’s select() method takes a CSS selector string and returns matching elements. CSS itself does not define a select() function: in browser JavaScript, the corresponding DOM methods are querySelector() and querySelectorAll(). This guide focuses on jsoup and explains the browser distinction separately.

How jsoup’s select() works

jsoup parses HTML into a document tree. Call select() on a Document, an Element, or an Elements collection, passing a CSS selector as a Java string. The result is an Elements collection of matches, including when there is only one match.

For example, if doc is a parsed jsoup document:

Elements links = doc.select("a[href]");
Element firstMasthead = doc.select("div.masthead").first();

The first line selects links with an href attribute. The second selects elements with the masthead class, then retrieves the first result. The jsoup cookbook documents these patterns; consult the documentation for the version of jsoup used in your project for version-specific selector behavior: jsoup selector syntax.

Write a selector for the elements you need

Selectors describe element names, attributes, and relationships. The examples below use familiar CSS syntax accepted by jsoup’s selector API.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Selector What it targets Example
p Elements by tag name All paragraph elements
.notice Elements with a class Elements whose class list includes notice
#main An element by ID The element with ID main
[href] Elements with an attribute Any element that has an href attribute
a[href] Links with an attribute Anchor elements that have an href
article p Descendants Paragraphs anywhere inside an article
h3 > div Direct children Div elements that are immediate children of an h3
img[src$=.png] Attribute suffix match Images whose src ends in .png

To match any of several alternatives, separate selectors with commas, such as p.warning, p.note. In a stylesheet, a selector is followed by a declaration block, as in p { color: rebeccapurple; }. With jsoup, pass the selector portion as a string to the method instead.

Scope a search to a document or existing matches

A call on a document searches that parsed document. Calling select() on an element scopes the search to its descendants, which is useful when you have already located a container and want results only within it:

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Element article = doc.select("article").first();
if (article != null) {
    Elements paragraphs = article.select("p");
}

An Elements collection can also be selected again. For example, the jsoup cookbook shows selecting h3.r > div from a document, then selecting a within those result divs. This lets you refine a result set without starting over at the document.

Handle missing matches and selector errors

Selection can validly return no matches. If you call first() on the result, check for null before using the returned element, as in the scoped-search example. Otherwise, code that assumes a result exists can fail when the page structure changes or the selector does not match.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

A selector must also be valid for the API receiving it. Do not treat a malformed selector as an ordinary no-match result. In browser JavaScript, MDN documents that an invalid selector passed to querySelector() raises a SyntaxError exception. Consult the documentation for your jsoup version when diagnosing invalid selector strings in Java.

How browser JavaScript differs

In browser code, use document.querySelector() to get the first matching descendant or document.querySelectorAll() to get all matching descendants. Both search descendants and do not include the node on which they are called. The latter returns a static NodeList. These are browser DOM methods, not jsoup’s select() API. See MDN’s querySelector() reference for the browser behavior.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
const firstWarning = document.querySelector("p.warning");
const allWarnings = document.querySelectorAll("p.warning");
Question jsoup select() Browser DOM methods
Where it runs Java code using jsoup to parse HTML JavaScript working with a browser DOM
How to request results Call select(selector) on a document, element, or elements collection Call querySelector() for the first match or querySelectorAll() for all matches
Result shape Elements A single element or a static NodeList, respectively
Search scope A document or the selected element(s) Descendants of the node receiving the method call
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or skip the browser setup

If your goal is a screenshot of a page rather than extracting matching elements from parsed HTML, ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server for developers. A single GET request can return an image or PDF; its API also accepts familiar screenshot-API parameter names to make switching easier. For example, save a WebP screenshot of Stripe with cURL:

curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webp

See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. Cookie banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets are removed before capture; those cleanup steps can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools for AI agents using Claude, Cursor, or another MCP client. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan to get 1,000 screenshots a month with no card.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.