this.id returns undefined -- WHY?

[wood_tah]

Can anyone tell me why the following does not work? It returns undefined.

<a id="myID" href="javascript:alert(this.id);">test </a>


Yet, this works as it should:

<a id="myID2" href="javascript:;" onClick="alert(this.id);">test2 </a>

[fredmv]

Welcome to the forums.

It's because you should not be using the JavaScript pesudo-protocol to execute JavaScript. It's only use is bookmarklets. It's actually executing that code as if it were in the address bar as opposed to inside of that element. Therefore, it doesn't know what element you're referring to. The most correct way to write it would be like this:<a href="#" onclick="alert(id);" id="foo">bar</a>Also note that the this keyword isn't required (http://www.webxpertz.net/forums/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=27286).

[wood_tah]

thanks a lot, that explains it. However, I do have one follow up question to your response. I used to always use href="#", but I had always been told to use href="javascript:;" instead of href="#" b/c using the latter causes the page to scroll to the top -- is there an easy way to use href="#", but not have the page scroll to the top when clicked?

[fredmv]

Using a hash mark is the most standard way, but, like you say, it causes the page to scroll upwards. An alternative workaround for this (without using the JavaScript pseudo-protocol) is using CSS:<a id="foo" onclick="alert(id);" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline; color: #00f;">bar</a>

[ray326]

Return false to your onclick handler will nullify the href action.

onclick="alert(id);return false;"

[fredmv]

Originally posted by ray326
Return false to your onclick handler will nullify the href action.You know what, Ray? You are completely correct. I can't believe I didn't remember that even though I explained it in another thread (http://forums.webdeveloper.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24492). I just can't believe I didn't think of that. Very good call.

[wood_tah]

Thank you both very much..... return false; is just what I was looking for.