Execute JavaScript Function via a href

Question

I am having a "duh" moment in which I am trying to execute a JavaScript function via an a href.

<a href="javascript:test()">Open New Form</a>

The function is stored in an external JavaScript file. If I have it inline with my function within <script> tags and the a href after it, it works.

What is the best method to execute a JavaScript function stored in another file?

• Blazemonger: Did you add the file using <script src="/path/to/file.js"></script> ? If so, you can call functions from there like they were in the same file.
• Kode: Yes, which is odd. I may try to use jQuery's click
• Nikunj: Probably you can use ExecuteOrDelayUntilScriptLoaded(test,'scriptname')
• Kode: Agreed. Nothing showing up except that it is undefined. Any good articles on how to do this in jQuery?
• Kode: Wait. I am loading the JavaScript files via the XML Viewer Web Part so while they show as included, it is post DOM load. Should that matter?

Answer 1

If you're not linking to another page, try using the <button> element:

<button onclick="test()">Open a New Form</button>

Also, make sure your JavaScript file is properly loading on the page.

Answer 2

If you use

<a href="javascript:test()">Open New Form</a>

and keep "test" function outside the page then also it will work as long as you are giving the reference of that javascript in your page like <script src="path"></script>

As you wanted the onclick function of the element so its good/best to use

<a onclick="test()"></a>

Answer 3

The issue was tied to caching as I had made updates to my JavaScript file but it wasn't showing. I resolved this, and then my core issue by using the following jQuery in my JavaScript file to call the function on click:

 $('#commentlink').click(function () {
 addComment();
});

This is called in the HTML like this:

<a class="pointer" id="commentlink" onclick="javascript:OpenPopUpPage();">Add Comment</a>

Answer 4

You can use:

<a href="javascript:" onclick="test()">Open New Form</a>

• Reporter: I think it would be more helpful for the OP and further visitors, when you add some explaination to your intension.