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What are some of the disadvantages of using an external JS file over including the JS as a part of the ASPX page?
I need to make an architectural decision and heard from coworkers that external JS does not play nice sometimes.
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External JavaScript AdvantagesIt separates HTML and code. It makes HTML and JavaScript easier to read and maintain.
External scripts Gives better separation of concerns and maintainability. The async and defer attributes have effect so if this attributes are present the script will change the default behavior. This is not possible with inline scripts.
To enhance performance, try to keep JavaScript external. The separate code makes it easier for web browsers to cache. However, use inline scripts only when you're making single page websites. Still, it's better to use external code i.e. external JavaScript.
Internal JavaScript : JavaScript code is placed in the head and body section of an HTML page. Output : This is Internal Javascript Example.!!! External Javascript : JavaScript code are stored in separate external file using the .
The only downside that I am aware of is the extra HTTP request needed. That downside goes away as soon as the Javascript is used by two pages or the page is reloaded by the same user.
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One con is that the browser can't cache the JS if it's in the page. If you reference it externally the browser will cache that file and not re-download it every time you hit a page. With it embedded it'll just add to the file-size of every page.
Also maintainability is something to keep in mind. If it's common JS it'll be a bit more of a pain to make a change when you need to update X number of HTML files' script blocks instead of one JS file.
Personally I've never run into an issue with external files vs embedded. The only time I have JS in the HTML itself is when I have something to bind on document load specifically for that page.
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