JavaScript: switch statement not setting hidden element value -

i have simple onchange() function called select element, should set hidden element value, based on switch value. can switch statement working hidden element value doesn't set - obvious here?

the function called ok, alert statement @ end shows correct value, eg, 'one@example/com' - cannot update hidden element 'recipient' new value.

function setemail() { var s = document.getelementbyid('school_institute'); var school = s.options[s.selectedindex].value; var x = document.getelementbyid('recipient'); switch(school) {     case 'name 1':         x = 'one@example.com';         break;     case 'name 2':         x = 'two@example.com';         break;     default:         x = 'three@example.com';         break; } } 

would appreciate help.

thanks

use [object htmlinputelement].value instead of overwriting reference element:

function setemail() {     var s = document.getelementbyid('school_institute');     var school = s.options[s.selectedindex].value;     var x = document.getelementbyid('recipient');     switch(school) {         case 'name 1':             x.value = 'one@example.com';             break;         case 'name 2':             x.value = 'two@example.com';             break;         default:             x.value = 'three@example.com';             break;     } } // x = document.getelementbyid('recipient'); // x = 'hello'; // here overwrite reference node // instead set value using `.value` // x = document.getelementbyid('recipient'); // x.value = 'hello';