HTML file having trouble calling a JavaScript function

Question

Trying to learn how libraries work in HTML.

In my HTML file, I am trying to make use of functions from a JavaScript file that is located in the same folder as the HTML file. I would like the function to tell the HTML to print a simple message to the screen, so I know I've made some progress, but alas, I have no clue what I'm doing. This is as far as I got with online sources and a textbook I have on hand.

Here's what my HTML looks like so far:

<!doctype html>
<!-- project9.html -->

<html>
    <head>
        <title>Testing Function</title>
        <script type="text/javascript" src="test.js"></script>
        <script type="text/javascript">
            function Test()
        </script>
    </head>
    </body>
</html>

This is the test.js file, located in the same folder as the HTML file:

function Test(){
    return ' test '
}

I'm overlooking something super simple, aren't I?

remove function before your call to Test()

berkobienb
– berkobienb

2020-11-13 18:51:56 +00:00
Commented Nov 13, 2020 at 18:51 — berkobienb
– berkobienb, Commented Nov 13, 2020 at 18:51

imvain2 · Accepted Answer · 2020-11-13 19:02:57Z

4

When you want to CALL a function, you just need to refer to that function's name (and any arguments but in this case that isn't relevant) and not the word function.

Also you are RETURNING the string, not doing anything with it. This will at least just alert it.

function Test(){
    return ' test '
}

alert(Test())

edited Nov 13, 2020 at 19:02

answered Nov 13, 2020 at 18:51

imvain2

15.9k1 gold badge19 silver badges21 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

9 Comments

berkobienb Over a year ago

Some people like to use semi-colons in JS but it isn't necessary

imvain2 Over a year ago

@berkobienb, I have a javacript minifier that I use, so I prefer to use them. But you are correct they aren't needed to terminate lines.

berkobienb Over a year ago

You could also just use console.log(Test()) rather than alert()

imvain2 Over a year ago

@berkobienb, yes but if the OP is new I didn't want them to implement the code and have no idea why they can't see anything.

imvain2 Over a year ago

@ConnerMcClellan, your browser has a web developer/console area. I believe some times it is accessible via the F12 button, otherwise its accessible in one of the browser's drop down menus.

|

Ryan · Accepted Answer · 2020-11-13 18:58:37Z

1

To modify HTML content on the screen, you'd use get a reference to the element and then use innerHTML

index.html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
  <head>
    <title>Test</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <p id="test"></p>
    <script src="./index.js"/> <!-- just import the file -->
  </body>
</html>

index.js

function test() {
  var p = document.getElementById("test");
  p.innerHTML = "test";
}
test(); //notice the function call

answered Nov 13, 2020 at 18:58

Ryan

1316 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

HTML file having trouble calling a JavaScript function

2 Answers 2

9 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

9 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related