Previously a couple of different attempts at fixing this problem has been rejected, given how *crucial* this code is for the correct function of the viewer, since no one has thus far provided any evidence that the problem actually affects the default viewer[1] nor an example using the viewer components directly (without another library on top).
The fact that none of the prior patches contained even a *simple* unit-test probably contributed to the unwillingness of a reviewer to sign off on the suggested changes.
However, it turns out that it's possible to create a reduced test-case, using the default viewer, that demonstrates the error[2]. Since this utilizes a hidden `<iframe>`, please note that this error will thus affect Firefox as well.
Note that while errors are thrown when the hidden `<iframe>` loads, the default viewer doesn't break completely since rendering does start working once the `<iframe>` becomes visible (although the errors do break the initial Toolbar state).
Before making any changes here, I carefully read through not just the immediately relevant code but also the rendering code in the viewer (given it's dependence on `getVisibleElements`). After concluding that the changes should be safe in general, the default viewer was tested without any issues found. (The above being much easier with significant prior experience of working with the viewer code.)
Finally the patch also adds new unit-tests, one of which explicitly triggers the relevant code-path and will thus fail with the current `master` branch.
This patch also makes `PDFViewerApplication` slightly more robust against errors during document opening, to ensure that viewer/document initialization always completes as expected.
Please keep in mind that even though this patch prevents an error in `getVisibleElements`, it's still not possible to set the initial position/zoom level/sidebar view etc. when the viewer is hidden since rendering and scrolling is completely dependent[3] on being able to actually access the DOM elements.
---
[1] And hence the PDF Viewer that's built-in to Firefox.
[2] Copy the HTML code below and save it as `iframe.html`, and place the file in the `web/` folder. Then start the server, with `gulp server`, and navigate to http://localhost:8888/web/iframe.html
```html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Iframe test</title>
<script>
window.onload = function() {
const button = document.getElementById('button1');
const frame = document.getElementById('frame1');
button.addEventListener('click', function(evt) {
frame.hidden = !frame.hidden;
});
};
</script>
</head>
<body>
<button id="button1">Toggle iframe</button>
<br>
<iframe id="frame1" width="800" height="600" src="http://localhost:8888/web/viewer.html" hidden="true"></iframe>
</body>
</html>
```
[3] This is an old, pre-exisiting, issue that's not relevant to this patch as such (and it's already being tracked elsewhere).
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