Implement setFocus() on Elements with MooTools

Every DOM node provides a focus method but most nodes have a tabIndex of -1 which prevents the element from being focused on when clicked, tabbed, focused via JavaScript.  I've been tinkering around with ways to make focusing on any element effortless with varying results.  I tried monkey-patching the prototype which worked well in Safari and Chrome but nowhere else.  I tried doing a tabIndex check but IE complained.  In the end I came up with more of a shortcut method than anything else.

The MooTools JavaScript

This method can be used by any node but it could cause issues with resetting an explicitly set tabIndex.

Element.implement({
	setFocus: function(index) {
		this.setAttribute('tabIndex',index || 0);
		this.focus();
	}
});

Using this method is simple:

$('myDiv').setFocus();

There you have it.  Depending on the node, the element may have a dotted outline as you would expect.  Otherwise you can add onFocus and onBlur events to your DIVs, SPANs, and other nodes.