Selection becomes invalid after replacing content

Phenomenon

When programmatically replacing selected content in Safari, the selection range becomes invalid. The cursor position is lost and cannot be restored, making it impossible to continue editing.

Reproduction example

1. Select some text
2. Programmatically replace it with new content
3. Check selection state

Observed behavior

• Selection range becomes invalid
• Cursor position is lost
• Cannot continue editing at correct position
• Selection cannot be restored

Expected behavior

• Selection should remain valid after replacement
• Cursor should be positioned after replaced content
• User should be able to continue editing
• Selection should be restored properly

Browser Comparison

• Chrome/Edge: Selection generally remains valid
• Firefox: Selection may become invalid
• Safari: Selection restoration most unreliable (this case)

Notes and possible direction for workarounds

• Save selection before replacement
• Restore selection after replacement
• Use Range API to maintain valid selection
• Handle invalid selection gracefully