Which “href” value should I use for JavaScript links, “#” or “javascript:void(0)”?

Which “href” value should I use for JavaScript links, “#” or “javascript:void(0)”?

When it comes to creating JavaScript links, developers often find themselves debating between using “#” or “javascript:void(0)” as the value for the href attribute. In this blog post, we will explore both options and discuss their pros and cons.

1. Using “#”:
The “#” value is a commonly used convention for JavaScript links. It is a shorthand way of indicating that the link is intended to perform some JavaScript action on the page. When a user clicks on a link with “#” as the href value, the page will scroll to the top by default.

Here’s an example of how to use “#” as the href value for a JavaScript link:

“`html
Click me
“`

Pros of using “#”:
– It is a widely recognized convention for JavaScript links.
– It is shorter and easier to read and write.

Cons of using “#”:
– When a user clicks on a link with “#” as the href value, the page will scroll to the top. This behavior may not always be desired, especially if the link is intended to perform an action without changing the scroll position.

2. Using “javascript:void(0)”:
The “javascript:void(0)” value is an alternative to using “#”. It is a way of indicating that the link should not perform any action when clicked. This can be useful when you want to prevent the default behavior of a link, such as navigating to a new page or scrolling to the top.

Here’s an example of how to use “javascript:void(0)” as the href value for a JavaScript link:

“`html
Click me
“`

Pros of using “javascript:void(0)”:
– It explicitly indicates that the link should not perform any action when clicked.
– It prevents the default behavior of a link, such as navigating to a new page or scrolling to the top.

Cons of using “javascript:void(0)”:
– It is longer and may be harder to read and write compared to “#”.
– Some developers argue that using “javascript:void(0)” is unnecessary and adds unnecessary complexity to the code.

In conclusion, both “#” and “javascript:void(0)” can be used as the href value for JavaScript links. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of your project. If you want the link to scroll to the top by default, “#” is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you want to prevent the default behavior of a link, such as navigating to a new page or scrolling to the top, “javascript:void(0)” is a better option.

Remember, the most important thing is to be consistent in your codebase. Choose one convention and stick to it throughout your project to maintain readability and avoid confusion.