Too much Javascript?

**mc@tetonvalley.net** · Jan 19, 2001, 22:58

Does too much Javascript in a site send users away? I'm re-designing a site that uses a lot of it, and I'm tempted to get rid of most of it.
It's at http://www.wyomingwear.com.

BC · Jan 20, 2001, 01:14

If it doesn't serve a useful purpose that enhances the site in some facet, then get rid of it.

That said I had a quick look and it seems to be ok.

**webmaster2000** · Jan 20, 2001, 12:11

Definitely, a visitor is turned away by too much javascript. The only thing worse than an excess of JS is a javascript error message, when the designed coded it improperly. The popups are generally awful. Javascript does have many useful purposes, but don't over do it. With this said, your site should still be functional in a browser that has JS turned off.

**westmich** · Jan 20, 2001, 18:46

I agree with Webmaster and would add the comment that 95% of Web surfers don't know what Javascript is.

**mjames** · Jan 20, 2001, 19:32

Another thing is that some users may not even be able to see JavaScript at all, let alone be turned off by it - those who have it turned off.

**mingham** · Jan 20, 2001, 19:53

I think the javascript on your page is fine... but when possible, use server side scripts or no scripts at all in place of javascript. This allows for a more universal audience.

**lynlimz** · Jan 21, 2001, 03:29

The javascript on your site is nothing. LOL..
I have about 8 javascript...( includes both for IE and nS )..
so an average user entering the site would load about 6..

use this to suppress errors

function stoperror(){
return true
}
window.onerror=stoperror

be sure to disbale if you're debugging or testing your site!

**mc@tetonvalley.net** · Jan 21, 2001, 11:35

Thanks for the tip, lynlimz. Where would I insert this script?

Thanks also to everyone else. This forum is a huge help.

BC · Jan 21, 2001, 16:58

It'd be ideal if you insert it in the <head></head> section

**lynlimz** · Jan 21, 2001, 21:33

Yes...
If you have an external .js file, for general functions like what I have which I would insert into the <head></head> tags,

place the error stopper script into that file.

Its always a good idea to insert your javascript codes into a separate file as it would make it easier for you to update your code thorughout the entire site and it also looks neater and readbale ( your html code )

**TWTCommish** · Jan 22, 2001, 12:30

Great idea lynlimz! Very useful, mind if I make use of it?

That said, JavaScript should be a tool, not an effect. IE: use it for form validation, form submission, and things like that - not for entering your name and saying "Hi name!"

**lynlimz** · Jan 22, 2001, 19:26

Yess..Of cause TWTCommish! Use it all you want!

Erm..Right. I agree...I use Javascript only when necessary, like validating my newsletter subscription form, and specifying defualt style sheets and navigational menus for different browsers for cross-compatibility.

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