Pass this parameter in javascript function using href

Question

I have code <a href="javascript:someFunction(this);" tabindex="0">Some text</a>

Is it possible to pass element into someFunction(link) {...} and use it later.

In debug mode I see the object but all properties are undefined.

When I was using onClick attribute like <a onClick="javascript:someFunction(this); it worked fine.

I am aware that this is probably not the best solution and I have seen the other questions, but it is really not my issue right now. I just need to do it this way for many reasons.

Thanks a lot

Have you tried that? Go ahead and try it and see if it works. It looks correct to me. — Joseph Marikle
– Joseph Marikle, Commented Feb 9, 2012 at 16:44
onclick has a this parameter because it triggers an event. href does not. — Blender
– Blender, Commented Feb 9, 2012 at 16:44
@Mathletics: How can I achieve that action is happened on press Enter if <a> element has focus, and still this to be passed in javascript method? — eomeroff
– eomeroff, Commented Feb 9, 2012 at 16:48

Blender · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-09 16:55:46Z

2

If you don't mind using jQuery (disregard this answer if you don't), you can attach an event to your link:

$('#id_of_your_link').on('click', function(event) {
  event.preventDefault();
  someFunction(this);
});

This code works for both keyboard navigation and mouse clicking: http://jsbin.com/ufapor. You can see the source code here: http://jsbin.com/ufapor/edit#javascript,html

answered Feb 9, 2012 at 16:55

Blender

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eomeroff Over a year ago

it seems that his is my answer, I was not aware that I can do it this way jsbin.com/ufapor/4/edit#javascript,html Very helpful.

Joseph Marikle · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-09 16:51:27Z

2

Ok... I see what has happened here. The problem is that when you trigger an onclick event, there is an element involved. Thus you can pass this and reference it in the function. But when you use href, you are setting the current location to whatever is in that href. It's the same as if you typed it in the address bar and hit enter. Therefore, if you pass that function this, it's actually referring to the DOMWindow object. The only way around it that I can see, is to instead pass the node's id to the function as plain text. Then grab it with getElementById.

I would highly recommend reconsidering how you are doing this though.

answered Feb 9, 2012 at 16:51

Joseph Marikle

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1 Comment

eomeroff Over a year ago

Thanks I this I have found the solution.

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