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Steven Roland
    • https://html.spec.whatwg.org/multipage/scripting.html#the-script-element

    Script Element: Embedding Scripts

    The <script> HTML element is used to embed or reference executable code, typically JavaScript, within an HTML document. It is a powerful element that allows developers to add dynamic behavior and interactivity to web pages. The <script> element can contain inline code or reference external script files.

    Usage and Characteristics

    The <script> element can be placed in the <head>, <body>, or at the end of the document, depending on when the script needs to be executed. It can either include inline JavaScript code or reference an external script file using the src attribute. Here are examples of both methods:

    Inline Script:

    <script>
  console.log('Hello, World!');
</script>

    External Script:

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

    Valid Attributes for <script>

    Attribute Description
    src Specifies the URL of an external script file.
    type Specifies the MIME type of the script. The default is text/javascript.
    async A Boolean attribute that allows the script to be executed asynchronously with the rest of the page. Only for external scripts.
    defer A Boolean attribute that defers the execution of the script until the HTML document has been fully parsed. Only for external scripts.
    charset Specifies the character encoding of the external script file.
    crossorigin Configures the CORS requests for the script.
    integrity Allows browsers to verify that a fetched script has been delivered without unexpected manipulation.
    nomodule Specifies that the script should not be executed in browsers that support module scripts.

    Benefits and Considerations

    • Dynamic Content: The <script> element enables the addition of dynamic content and interactivity to web pages, enhancing the user experience.

    • Performance: Using async and defer attributes can improve page load performance by controlling when scripts are executed relative to the parsing of the document.

    • Security: The integrity attribute helps ensure that external scripts are not tampered with, providing an additional layer of security.

    In summary, the <script> element is a fundamental part of web development, allowing for the inclusion of JavaScript to create interactive and dynamic web pages. Its attributes provide flexibility for managing script execution and enhancing performance and security. Proper use of the <script> element is essential for building responsive and engaging web applications.