Unobtrusive Javascript

Unobtrusive Javascript

Javascript is a wonderful tool to enhance the usability of web sites. It is the extra layer above the mark-up "what is this text" and the CSS "how should it be displayed". Javascript adds a new dimension, the "how should this element behave".

Get the Coursebook

This course is now also available in printable format. It features

• Rewritten and amended course material
• Syntax highlighted code examples
• Two extra chapters:
  • DOM accidents - explaining accessibility problems to avoid when scripting the DOM
  • Outdated JavaScript techniques - why not to use and how to replace them with more modern techniques

You can download a sample chapter (120KB, PDF format) or donate a 2 digit figure at paypal to obtain your copy. Please state the format you want the course book in (Word or PDF)

On the following pages we will discuss and see how we can use Javascript, but still maintain accessibility. The technique to completely separate Javascript from the other two layers of web development has become commonly named "unobtrusive Javascript", as "accessible Javascript" does not quite cut it. You can have a perfectly separated Javascript and still be totally inaccessible.

Anyways, let‘s cut to the chase.

• Chapter 1: Operation Cleanout
• Chapter 2: Reach what you want to change
• Chapter 3: Creating and destroying elements
• Chapter 4: Call of the wild (scripts)
• Chapter 5: Example - A Javascript enhanced form
• Appendix A: Separate CSS and JS
• Appendix B: Useful links
• Appendix C: About the author and thanks.