Wait for jQuery show() to finish before continuing function?

Question

I can't make my div visible with the jquery show() until my function is over! It actually works in IE/FF but not in Chrome. How can I make sure my element is visible before continuing with my function?

Here's my code:

function doOperation(){
    $("#progressbar_area").show();
    (...)
}

Answer 1

Add a callback to show:

$("#progressbar_area").show(speed, function() {});

The callback function will be called when the animation is complete.

Answer 2

IMO, it would be better to put the rest of your function in the callback parameter to show:

$("#progressbar_area").show("fast", function() {...} );

The caveat here is that the callback is fired (separately) for each element that is in the selector. Fine if you are only showing one item, though.