JavaScript Function Not Called When Defined in External ".JS" File

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The body of my HTML is as follows:

HTML

<body onload="DoLoad();">
</body>

When I define the DoLoad function in the SCRIPT tag at the top of the HTML file, it works fine. For example:

HTML

<head>
    <title></title>
    <script type="text/javascript">
        function DoLoad() {
            alert("Hello");
        }
    </script>
</head>

However, when I put the function in a file called "TestJS.js" and reference it using the SRC attribute of the SCRIPT tag, then it doesn't run. In that scenario, the HTML head would look like this:

HTML

<head>
    <title></title>
    <script type="text/javascript" src="TestJS.js" />
</head>

And the "TestJS.js" file would look like this:

JavaScript

function DoLoad() {
    alert("Hello");
}

Any idea of why the function would work with the inline JavaScript but not with the imported JavaScript? I would rather have my code defined in an external file, so getting it to work that way would be ideal.

FYI, I am using Visual Studio 2008 Professional and I am working with an ASP.NET Web Application. My operating system is Windows Vista Home Premium. My browser is Internet Explorer 8.

Posted 29-Nov-09 5:01am

AspDotNetDev

Updated 22-Jun-11 10:20am

v3

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enhzflep · Accepted Answer · 2009-11-29T16:01:00

I believe the problem comes from the way that you close the script tag.

IE seems to need well formed XML syntax to work properly.

I.e <script ......></script>

NOT
<script ....... />

test.js

function DoLoad()
{
	alert("Hello");
}

test.html

<html>
<head>
    <title></title>
    <script type="text/javascript" src="test.js"></script>
</head>
<body onload="DoLoad();">
</body>
</html>