JavaScript events are actions or occurrences that happen in the browser, often initiated by user interactions or system-generated processes. Events enable developers to create interactive and dynamic web pages by triggering JavaScript code in response to specific actions. In this guide, we'll explore JavaScript events in HTML comprehensively, covering different event types, event handling methods, event propagation, and practical examples.


Table of Contents

1.Introduction to Events

2.Types of JavaScript Events

  • Mouse Events
  • Keyboard Events
  • Form Events
  • Window Events

3.Event Handling Techniques

  • Inline Event Handling
  • Using Event Listeners
  • Event Object
  • Preventing Default Behavior

4.Event Propagation

  • Event Bubbling
  • Event Capturing



Examples of JavaScript Events in HTML
1. Introduction to Events

Events are fundamental to creating interactive web applications. They represent actions or occurrences that can be detected and used to trigger JavaScript code. Examples of events include clicking a button, moving the mouse over an element, pressing a key, submitting a form, and resizing the browser window.


2. Types of JavaScript Events
Mouse Events

Mouse events are triggered by user interactions with the mouse. Common mouse events include:

 

  • click: Occurs when the user clicks an element.
  • mouseover: Fires when the mouse pointer enters the element.
  • mouseout: Triggers when the mouse pointer leaves the element.
  • mousemove: Happens when the mouse pointer is moved over the element.

Keyboard Events

Keyboard events are triggered by user interactions with the keyboard. Key events include:

 

  • keydown: Fires when a key is pressed down.
  • keyup: Occurs when a key is released.
  • keypress: Triggers when a key is pressed and released.

Form Events

Form events are related to form elements and form submissions. Key form events include:

 

  • submit: Occurs when a form is submitted.
  • change: Happens when the value of an input element changes.
  • focus: Fires when an element gains focus.
  • blur: Triggers when an element loses focus.

Window Events

Window events are related to the browser window itself. Important window events include:

 

  • load: Occurs when the document and its external resources finish loading.
  • resize: Fires when the browser window is resized.
  • scroll: Triggers when scrolling happens within an element.

3. Event Handling Techniques
Inline Event Handling

Inline event handling involves directly specifying JavaScript code within HTML attributes. While simple, this approach is less flexible and doesn't promote separation of concerns.


Example of inline event handling:
 

<button onclick="alert('Button clicked!')">Click Me</button>



Using Event Listeners

Event listeners are preferred for cleaner and more maintainable code. They allow you to attach event handlers to HTML elements using JavaScript.


Example of using event listeners:
 


<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Event Handling Example</title>
</head>
<body>
  <button id="myButton">Click Me</button>
  
  <script>
    const myButton = document.getElementById('myButton');
    
    myButton.addEventListener('click', function() {
      alert('Button clicked!');
    });
  </script>
</body>
</html>
 




 
<script>
  const outerDiv = document.getElementById('outerDiv');
  const innerDiv = document.getElementById('innerDiv');
  
  outerDiv.addEventListener('click', function() {
    console.log('Outer div clicked!');
  }, true); // Third parameter indicates capturing phase

  innerDiv.addEventListener('click', function() {
    console.log('Inner div clicked!');
  });
</script>


5. Examples of JavaScript Events in HTML

Let's explore a few practical examples of JavaScript events in HTML:


Example 1: Mouse Events
 
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Mouse Events Example</title>
</head>
<body>
  <button id="myButton">Click Me</button>
  <div id="myDiv"></div>
  
  <script>
    const myButton = document.getElementById('myButton');
    const myDiv = document.getElementById('myDiv');
    
    myButton.addEventListener('click', function() {
      alert('Button clicked!');
    });
    
    myDiv.addEventListener('mouseover', function() {
      myDiv.style.backgroundColor = 'lightblue';
    });
    
    myDiv.addEventListener('mouseout', function() {
      myDiv.style.backgroundColor = 'white';
    });
  </script>
</body>
</html>



 



Practice Excercise Practice now