The data join is now specified as a single function of data, as with all other
properties. This allows the key to be computed on the previously-bound data,
rather than requiring the key to be serialized into the DOM (say, as an
attribute). In the case that there is no previously-bound data, it is still
possible to access the associated node as the `this` context.
The `enter` operator no longer performs an append. For symmetry with the `exit`
operator, you must call `append` after obtaining the entering selection. This
requires a tiny bit more code, but should make the code more clear. Also, it
provides an opportunity to use a different instantiation operator, such as the
new `insert` operator. This takes a second argument, which is a selector for the
insert-before reference element. For example, the selector ":first-child" will
prepend nodes.
The `empty` operator allows you to query whether a selection is empty (i.e.,
contains zero matching nodes).
Michael Bostock