Why does <script> have to be within <head> tags?

wwwizzard · #1 (**permalink**) 07-23-2004, 09:15 PM

Hi everybody
Whenever you copy and paste a script, whether it be javascript or any other script, the instructions are always to include the <script> itself within the <head> tags.
I sometimes find it easier to include the <script>***</script> somewhere in the middle of the page right above where you actually use the script.
I have checked across various browsers and I cannot find any reason why it has to be within the <head> tags. It all seems to work regardless where you have the <script>.
Does anybody know the reason? Does it really matter?

Cheers

ronniethedodger · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2004, 09:24 PM

Nope, it doesn't matter as far as functionality. I think maybe in the past it did.

One reason though is to keep it out of the < body > of the page. It is better to put the script in an external .js file though, and reference that in the < head > (cannot to that in the body).

Some calls to script functions do appear in the body though ... such as rollover functions. Some scripts have to be in the body also, such as a newsfeed or some other type of Html insertion. Some external free counters are the same way.

swstyles · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2004, 11:58 AM

For the most part, its just good coding practice. As a coder I appreciate good coding practices. I have found that some scripts work better being embedded within the document. Some scripts won't work if they are not embedded in the <head>.

It depends on what you are doing.

wwwizzard · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2004, 05:52 AM

Thanks guys, what you're really saying is if it works, it works. Right?
Just what I thought, but you never know!

Cheers, and thanks!

ADAM Web Design · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2004, 01:23 AM

A Javascript will work anywhere in the <head> or <body> of a document. While it is preferential to put the JScript in the head of a document (and in a separate .JS where possible), sometimes it is necessary or easier to put the JScript into the body of the document (e.g. if you're dynamically generating an array of pics to be used in conjunction with a randomly rotated image section).

It may not provide output code that HTML coders would like, but for the actual programmers it may be easier to understand.

As swstyles pointed out, some JScripts (such as a DHTML menu) will only work within the body of a document.