title: in javascript, difference input.value=val versus input.setAttribute('value',val)?
body: <p>In javascript, is what is the difference between setting an HTMLElement property with assignment as versus using <code>setAttribute()</code>.  The following is from a chrome session, leading me to believe there <em>is</em> a difference:</p>
  
  <pre>
  > i = document.createElement('input');
  &lt;input&gt;
  > i.value = 'abc';
  "abc"
  > i
  &lt;input&gt;​
  > i.setAttribute('value','abc');
  undefined
  > i
  &lt;input value=​"abc"&gt;
  </pre>
  
  <p>What exactly is the difference?  Is it the type of thing that bytes you in the ass?</p>
  
  <hr/>
  
  <p>answer right on.</p>
  
  <p>chrome displays attributes, so this led to my confusion.</p>