How do you name "javascript:" prefix in inline event handlers?

Question

In the following code:

<a onclick="javascript:alert()">

how do you name the javascript: part? Protocol, pseudo-protocol, scheme, label, prefix?

I am only trying to figure out a common name for it, not technically correct term based on what it actually is at the end. So when I say for example "javascript protocol" most people would be able understand what I mean. (I need to use this in a documentation)

Answer 1

< a onclick="javascript:alert()">

I don't believe using javascript: in anything other than the href attribute is even valid (though it appears browsers will still execute it - I believe this is because technically javascript: in this context is a label, are you planning to goto javascript;?).

Also, it's considered very bad form to use inline event handlers like that. And if I'm not mistaken it's even been deprecated by W3C.

But, fwiw, when javascript: is used in an href it is called a "pseudo-protocol identifier".

• Reid: You could use it to break an outer loop. But even that purpose is essentially forgotten.
• quentin-starin: @Reid: and completely irrelevant (for use) in an inline event handler.