Using an external JavaScript file in HTML can make your code more organized and easier to maintain. This is achieved by separating JavaScript code from the HTML file.
By linking an external JavaScript file to your HTML document, you can reuse the same JavaScript code across multiple HTML pages. This is demonstrated in the example where a single JavaScript file is linked to multiple HTML files.
External JavaScript files are typically stored in the same directory as your HTML file, which makes it easy to access and link them.
For another approach, see: Html File Upload Multiple Files
What is External JavaScript File
An external JavaScript file is a separate file that contains JavaScript code and is linked to an HTML document using the src attribute of the script tag. This file must be saved with a .js extension.
You can create an external JavaScript file and link it to an HTML web page to make your code cleaner and easier to maintain. This method allows you to use the same script file in multiple HTML documents by simply linking it using a single line.
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External JavaScript files can be placed on a web server or a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to reduce latency and improve website loading times. A URL is required to specify the src attribute of the script tag, and there are three types of paths to consider: absolute, root-relative, and document-relative.
Here are the three types of paths:
An external JavaScript file can be used to share JavaScript code across multiple HTML pages, making it easier to update and maintain. This is especially useful when you have a website with hundreds of pages.
Linking
Linking an external JavaScript file to an HTML web page is a straightforward process. You can add the JavaScript code to your HTML file by using the src attribute of the script tag.
There are three main ways to add JavaScript to your web pages: embedding code, inline code, and external file. But the easiest and most used method is creating a separate JavaScript file and calling it in your HTML file.
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You can link a JavaScript source file to an HTML web page by indicating its location in the src attribute of the script tag. The src attribute works the same as the src attribute of the img tag, pointing to the location of the JavaScript source file.
To link an external JavaScript file, save it with a .js extension in the same folder as the HTML code it is running. The browser will look for the file in this location by default.
If you save the file in a separate folder, you will need to specify the complete path of the file, including the drive and folder names. For example, if the file is located in a folder named scripts, the path would be scripts/myScript.js.
You can also place an external JavaScript file on a web server or CDN to reduce latency and improve website loading times. To do this, specify a URL for the src attribute of the script tag.
There are three types of paths you can use:
- Absolute path: includes http://, hostname, folder, and name of the file
- Root-relative path: starts with a / (slash) indicating the root folder of the site
- Document-relative path: a path from the web page to the JavaScript file
For example, if you have a JavaScript file named myScript.js located in a folder named scripts, the document relative path would be scripts/myScript.js. If the folder scripts is located inside another folder named javaS, the path would be different, like this: ../scripts/myScript.js.
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Including External JavaScript File
You can link an external JavaScript file to an HTML web page by using the src attribute of the script tag. This attribute works the same as the src attribute of the img tag, pointing to the location of the JavaScript source file.
The src attribute must be included in the script tag for linking an external JavaScript file. Remember, the extension of the external JavaScript file must be .js.
To link a JavaScript source file to an HTML web page, simply connect it inside the script tag by indicating its location in the src attribute. You can save the external JavaScript file in the same folder as the HTML code it is running.
By default, the browser looks for any externally referenced file in the same folder as the .html file is running. If you save an external JavaScript file in a separate folder, you'll have to specify the complete path of the file, including the drive and folder names.
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Here are the three types of paths to link an external JavaScript file:
- Absolute path: An absolute path is like a postal address that contains all the information required for the web browser to locate a file anywhere in the world.
- Root-relative path: A root-relative path is an address where a file is located relative to the top-level folder or root folder of the site.
- Document-relative path: A document-relative path is a path from the web page to the JavaScript file.
Note that the defer attribute should only be used when the src attribute is present (i.e., only with external JavaScript files). It delays the execution of code inside the script tag till the time the content is displayed on the browser.
Uploading File to Web Server or CDN
Uploading a file to a web server or CDN is a great way to improve your website's performance. This can be done by placing your JavaScript file on a Content Delivery Network (CDN), which helps reduce latency and improve loading times.
A CDN is a network of servers that store copies of your files, making it easier for users to access them from anywhere in the world. By placing your JavaScript file on a CDN, you can reduce the load on your own server and make your website faster.
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There are three types of paths you can use to link to an external JavaScript file: absolute path, root-relative path, and document-relative path. An absolute path includes the http://, hostname, folder, and name of the file.
Here are the three types of paths:
A root-relative path begins with a / (slash) indicating the root folder of the site. For example, /javascript/myScript.js indicates that the file myScript.js is located inside a folder named javascript, which is itself located in the root folder of the site.
Advantages and Return
Using an external JavaScript file has several advantages that make it a preferred choice over inline JavaScript code. It helps keep HTML files neater and less cluttered.
One of the biggest benefits is code reusability, which allows you to modify JavaScript code in only one place when changes or bug fixes are needed. This makes life easier for developers.
Since web browsers cache externally linked JavaScript files, you can link the same .js file from multiple HTML web pages, reducing the loading time of web pages and bandwidth usage.
Here are some of the key advantages of using external JavaScript files:
- Facilitates code reuse across several HTML files
- Provides easier code reading
- Saves time by caching external js files
- Allows site designers and developers to work independently
- Makes code shorter by indicating the location of the js file
Overall, using an external JavaScript file is a great way to improve the efficiency and maintainability of your web pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you embed JavaScript in HTML?
Embed JavaScript in HTML by wrapping your code in the tag, typically between the
tags or at the end of the HTML document. This simple method allows you to add JavaScript functionality to your web pages.Sources
- https://codedamn.com/news/javascript/how-to-add-javascript-to-html
- https://www.scientecheasy.com/2021/12/external-javascript-in-html.html/
- https://www.tutorialspoint.com/how-to-use-external-js-files-in-an-html-file
- https://www.javatpoint.com/how-to-add-javascript-to-html
- https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Element/script
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