How To Insert Javascript into HTML Using the script Tag

Published on February 3, 2016 · Updated on September 23, 2020

Developer and author at DigitalOcean.

How To Insert Javascript into HTML Using the script Tag

Introduction

You can insert Javascript into HTML inline or as an external file using the <script> tag. This tutorial demonstrates both methods.

Prerequisites

A general knowledge of HTML5. For a comprehensive review of the HTML5 markup language, explore our series, How To Build a Website in HTML.
A general knowledge of Javascript. For a comprehensive review of Javascript, explore our series, How To Code in Javascript.

Inserting Javascript into HTML using the `<script>` tag

Here’s how to insert an external JavaScript file or some inline JavaScript in your HTML documents.

To insert an external script file:

<script src="doStuff.js"></script>

To insert an inline script:

<script>
  // your code here
</script>

Remember that where you insert the JavaScript influences the load order. Essential stuff like jQuery itself is usually placed in the <head> section and stuff that can be loaded last like tracking scripts can usually be right before the closing </body> tag.

`type="text/javascript"`

type="text/javascript" is an optional declaration and unnecessary since HTML5. You’ll still see it in legacy code, but you don’t have to use it in your own code.