Tutorial
How To Insert Javascript into HTML Using the script Tag
Introduction
You can insert Javascript into HTML inline or as an external file using the <script> tag. This tutorial demonstrates both methods.
Prerequisites
-
A general knowledge of HTML5. For a comprehensive review of the HTML5 markup language, explore our series, How To Build a Website in HTML.
-
A general knowledge of Javascript. For a comprehensive review of Javascript, explore our series, How To Code in Javascript.
Inserting Javascript into HTML using the <script> tag
Here’s how to insert an external JavaScript file or some inline JavaScript in your HTML documents.
To insert an external script file:
<script src="doStuff.js"></script>
To insert an inline script:
<script>
// your code here
</script>
Remember that where you insert the JavaScript influences the load order. Essential stuff like jQuery itself is usually placed in the <head> section and stuff that can be loaded last like tracking scripts can usually be right before the closing </body> tag.
type="text/javascript"
type="text/javascript" is an optional declaration and unnecessary since HTML5. You’ll still see it in legacy code, but you don’t have to use it in your own code.
Conclusion
<script> is one of the most common and important tags in HTML.
For a more comprehensive review of the HTML5 markup language, explore our series, How To Build a Website in HTML.
For a more comprehensive review of Javascript, explore our series, How To Code in Javascript.
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