\n","image":"https://explain.codes/media/static/images/eightify-logo.svg","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Anton Shumikhin","url":"https://explain.codes//author/anton-shumikhin"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Rational Expressions, Inc","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://explain.codes/landing/images/[email protected]"}},"datePublished":"2024-09-03T14:30:02.521Z","dateModified":"2024-09-03T14:30:04.199Z"}
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Which is better: or

html
mime-types
html-standards
backward-compatibility
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton ShumikhinΒ·Sep 3, 2024
⚑TLDR

In the realm of HTML5, you should omit the type="text/javascript" attribute from your <script> tags. This approach is both simpler and valid.

Example:

<script> // Your JavaScript slice of genius goes here. πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» </script>

Characteristics of the MIME types

In HTML5, which implicitly considers the type attribute in <script> tags as text/javascript, it is optional to specify this MIME type. Nevertheless, RFC 4329 suggests using application/javascript, which right now, is the recommended MIME type for JavaScript.

When older browsers come into play

Although modern browsers are compatible with <script> tags sans the type attribute, older versions of Internet Explorer (IE) may have compatibility issues. To err on the side of caution, you could include the type attribute with text/javascript.

Compliance with HTML standards

Mandatory inclusion of the type attribute occurs in HTML 4.01 and XHTML 1.0. For projects abiding by these standards, type is non-negotiable. However, HTML5 promotes the omission of this attribute, endorsing both conciseness and code simplicity.

Explicit type declaration: Clearing ambiguity

Including type="text/javascript" aids in defining the scripting language and ensures backward compatibility; this could be crucial while maintaining legacy systems or in environments where MIME types must be clearly stated.

Is 'type' attribute a performance hiccup?

The type attribute's presence or absence does not directly influence your application's performance. Yet, it's wise to align your coding style with current HTML guidelines for seamless browser execution and future code maintenance.