Is it possible to interpolate my angle bracket, percent, equals <%= %> syntax in external javascript files?

Question

Often times when mixing jQuery with asp.net I need to use asp .net angle bracket percent, <% %>, syntax within a jQuery selector.

If I would like to separate the JavaScript from markup into different files is there still a way to evaluate my JavaScript file so the angle bracket percents are interpolated before reaching the client browser?

Answer 1

If you want to evaluate <% code blocks %> as ASP.NET code in a JavaScript file, you can just put the JavaScript in an ASPX file and reference it from a SCRIPT element.

script.js.aspx:

function hideElements()
 { <% foreach(var elementId in Request.QueryString["hide"].Split(',') { %>
   jQuery('#' + <%= elementId %>).hide('slow');
   <% } %>
 }

page.aspx:

<script src="script.js.aspx?hide=<%= GetElementsIds() %>"
        type='text/javascript'></script>

page.aspx.cs:

public string GetElementIds() 
 {
   return string.Join(",", new []{control1.ClientID, control2.ClientID});
 }

Answer 2

No, you'll need to refactor your JavaScript to accept that information as parameters.

So, instead of

jQuery('#<%=MainPanel.ClientId%>').hide('slow');

do something like this:

function hidePanel(panelId) {
        jQuery('#' + panelId).hide('slow');
}

which you can call from your page with

hidePanel('<%=MainPanel.ClientId%>');