javascript:void(0) or onclick="return false" for <a> - which is better?

Question

There is a javascript-based interface - so I need not to support work without javascript.

I have an

<a>Something</a>

elements with JS code, which binds on click event - so, I don't want page reload after user's click.

Which way is better?

1. <a href="javascript:void(0)">Something</a>
2. <a href="#" onclick="return false;">Something</a>

What advantages and disadvantages of each method?

Answer 1

Both are poor choices. Presentation shouldn't mix with content. That means no javascript: URIs, and definitely no onclick attributes.

The way to do it:

<a id="myLink">Something</a>
<script>
    function myFunction(...) { ... }
    document.getElementById('myLink').addEventListener('click', myFunction, false);
</script>

Answer 2

Neither. If your link doesn't go anywhere, don't use an <a> element. Use a <span> or something else appropriate and add CSS to style it as you wish.