JavaScript is a popular programming language used to create interactive and dynamic web pages. When creating links that trigger JavaScript functions, developers often use the href attribute to specify the behavior of the link. Two common href values used for JavaScript links are # and javascript:void(0).
While both of these href values are valid, there is ongoing debate among developers about which one is better to use. In this topic, we will explore the pros and cons of using # and javascript:void(0) in JavaScript links. We’ll also discuss best practices for improving accessibility and ensuring semantic correctness in href values for JavaScript links. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this topic will provide you with a better understanding of how to create effective and accessible JavaScript links for your web pages.
Both # and javascript:void(0) can be used as the href value for JavaScript links, but it’s generally better to use javascript:void(0) because it is more semantically correct and is considered more accessible for users with disabilities.
Using # as the href value can cause the page to scroll to the top when the link is clicked, which can be confusing for users. On the other hand, javascript:void(0) is a simple JavaScript statement that does nothing, so it won’t affect the page’s scroll position.
More On Accessibility
javascript:void(0) is considered more accessible because it provides a more meaningful and descriptive representation of the link for users with disabilities who use screen readers or other assistive technologies.
Screen readers can announce the purpose of the link to the user, and using javascript:void(0) can help to convey that the link does not lead to a new page or change the page’s scroll position.
In contrast, using # as the href value can confuse screen readers, as it is unclear whether the link leads to a new page or has some other purpose. This can result in a poor user experience for users with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies to navigate the web.
Overall, using javascript:void(0) is considered best practice for JavaScript links because it provides a more accessible and semantically correct representation of the link.