How to write inline JavaScript code in HTML page?

Inline JavaScript refers to JavaScript code written directly within an HTML document using <script> tags, rather than linking to an external JavaScript file. This approach is useful for small scripts or page-specific functionality.

Syntax

To write inline JavaScript, place your code between opening and closing <script> tags:

<script>
    // Your JavaScript code here
</script>

Example: Basic Inline JavaScript

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Inline JavaScript Example</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1 id="heading">Welcome to My Page</h1>
    <button onclick="changeText()">Click Me</button>

    <script>
        function changeText() {
            document.getElementById("heading").innerText = "Text Changed!";
            console.log("Button was clicked!");
        }
        
        // Code that runs when page loads
        console.log("Page loaded successfully");
    </script>
</body>
</html>

Script Placement Options

You can place <script> tags in different locations within your HTML:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Script Placement</title>
    <script>
        // Scripts in head run before body elements load
        console.log("Script in head executed");
    </script>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>My Page</h1>
    
    <script>
        // Scripts in body run when this point is reached
        console.log("Script in body executed");
    </script>
    
    <p>Some content here</p>
</body>
</html>

Event Handlers with Inline JavaScript

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Event Handlers</title>
</head>
<body>
    <button onclick="alert('Hello World!')">Simple Alert</button>
    
    <input type="text" onchange="console.log('Input changed:', this.value)">
    
    <div onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='yellow'"
         onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='white'">
         Hover over me!
    </div>
</body>
</html>

Inline vs External JavaScript

Aspect Inline JavaScript External JavaScript
Code Organization Mixed with HTML Separate files
Reusability Limited to one page Can be reused across pages
Caching No separate caching Browser can cache files
Best For Small, page-specific scripts Large applications

Best Practices

When using inline JavaScript, place scripts at the end of the <body> tag to ensure DOM elements are loaded before the script runs:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
    <p id="demo">Original text</p>
    
    <!-- Place scripts at the end -->
    <script>
        // DOM is fully loaded at this point
        document.getElementById("demo").innerText = "Text updated by JavaScript";
    </script>
</body>
</html>

Conclusion

Inline JavaScript is perfect for small scripts and page-specific functionality. For larger applications, consider using external JavaScript files for better organization and maintainability.

Updated on: 2026-03-15T21:25:49+05:30

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