Question

What is javascript: used for, and is it compliant and should I use it?

I noticed that some of my associates choose to use

javascript: 

followed by some function name or some JavaScript code, but it seems unnecessary to me.

I see this a lot in event handlers like:

onclick="javascript: somefunction451();"

Also I have trouble searching for more information on javascript: because it says that I’m trying to do cross site scripting. Especially if I stick it in quotes. Is this something that simply can’t be fixed? Should I search this in a Flash only or Silverlight only browser?

Answer 1

It’s completely unnecessary in “onfoo” attribute values. In that context, it’s interpreted as a label by the JavaScript parser. Thus it’s not erroneous, but it’s useless.

In “href” values, it has a role, but there’s really no reason for JavaScript “href” values anyway.