The <script> Tag

In HTML, JavaScript code must be inserted between <script> and </script> tags.

Example

<script>
document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "My First JavaScript";
</script>

 

JavaScript Functions and Events

A JavaScript function is a block of JavaScript code, that can be executed when "called" for.

For example, a function can be called when an event occurs, like when the user clicks a button.

JavaScript in <head> or <body>

You can place any number of scripts in an HTML document.

Scripts can be placed in the <body>, or in the <head> section of an HTML page, or in both.

JavaScript in <head>

In this example, a JavaScript function is placed in the section of an HTML page.

The function is invoked (called) when a button is clicked:

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<script>
function myFunction() {
    document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "Paragraph changed.";
}
</script>
</head>

<body>

<h1>A Web Page<<h1>
<p id="demo">A Paragraph</p>
<button type="button" onclick="myFunction()">Try it</button>

</body>
</html>

 

JavaScript in <body>

In this example, a JavaScript function is placed in the <body> section of an HTML page.

The function is invoked (called) when a button is clicked:

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>

<h1>A Web Page</h1>
<p id="demo">A Paragraph</p>
<button type="button" onclick="myFunction()">Try it</button>

<script>
function myFunction() {
   document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "Paragraph changed.";
}
</script>

</body>
</html>

 

External JavaScript

Scripts can also be placed in external files:

External file: myScript.js

function myFunction() {
   document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "Paragraph changed.";
}

 

External scripts are practical when the same code is used in many different web pages.

JavaScript files have the file extension .js.

To use an external script, put the name of the script file in the src (source) attribute of a <script> tag:

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>

<script src="myScript.js"></script>

</body>
</html>

 

You can place an external script reference in <head> or <body> as you like.

The script will behave as if it was located exactly where the <script> tag is located.

External JavaScript Advantages

Placing scripts in external files has some advantages:

  • It separates HTML and code
  • It makes HTML and JavaScript easier to read and maintain
  • Cached JavaScript files can speed up page loads

To add several script files to one page - use several script tags:

Example

<script src="myScript1.js"></script>
<script src="myScript2.js"></script>

 

External References

External scripts can be referenced with a full URL or with a path relative to the current web page.

This example uses a full URL to link to a script:

Example

<script src="https://revplit.com/js/myScript1.js"></script>

 

This example uses a script located in a specified folder on the current web site:

Example

<script src="/js/myScript1.js"></script>

 

This example links to a script located in the same folder as the current page:

Example

<script src="myScript1.js"></script>