call javascript function on hyperlink click

Question

I am dynamically creating a hyperlink in the c# code behind file of ASP.NET. I need to call a JavaScript function on client click. how do i accomplish this?

Answer 1

Ideally I would avoid generating links in you code behind altogether as your code will need recompiling every time you want to make a change to the 'markup' of each of those links. If you have to do it I would not embed your javascript 'calls' inside your HTML, it's a bad practice altogether, your markup should describe your document not what it does, thats the job of your javascript.

Use an approach where you have a specific id for each element (or class if its common functionality) and then use Progressive Enhancement to add the event handler(s), something like:

[c# example only probably not the way you're writing out your js]
Response.Write("My Link");

[Javascript]  
document.getElementById('uxAncMyLink').onclick = function(e){

// do some stuff here

    return false;
    }

That way your code won't break for users with JS disabled and it will have a clear seperation of concerns.

Hope that is of use.