JavaScript HREF

Never use "javascript:" "#" or similar as the value of an href attribute.
The purpose of the href attribute is to specify a URL only. If you wish to run JavaScript on an element click, use a button instead.
Bad
<a href="javascript:;" id="share">Share on Facebook</a>
​
<script>
    $('#share').on('click', function(e) {
        // do fb share stuff
    });
</script>
Good
<!-- a button created with JavaScript -->
<button id="share">Share on Facebook</button>
​
<script>
    $('#share').on('click', function(e) {
        // do fb share stuff
    });
</script>
Even better
Use progressive enhancement:
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/share?id=12345" id="share">Share on Facebook</a>
​
<script>
    $('#share').attr('role', 'button');
    $('#share[role=button]').on('click', function(e) {
        this.preventDefault();
        // do fb share stuff
    })
</script>
The screen reader will announce "Share on Facebook. Button" or fallback to "Share on Facebook. Link" if JavaScript is not ready or available.
Ambiguous Label
Layout Table
Last updated 2 years ago