Javascript syntax in html attributes

I am trying to understand some existing script and came across the following application of javascript in html attributes in an <a> tag. It was generated by php so it might not be the most orthodox javascript.

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onmouseover="window.status='View this entry'; show(event, 'eventinfo-224-5'); return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; hide('eventinfo-224-5'); return true;"

I assume what is going on here is the same as the following javascript (show and hide being pre-defined functions):

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window.status='View this entry';
show(event, 'eventinfo-224-5');
return true;

and:

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onmouseout=window.status='';
hide('eventinfo-224-5');
return true;

Any comments on this way of including javascript scripts? Can one include scripts in any attribute in this manner? Is there no need for <script> tags? Other comments?

Thanks,

--Kenoli

I put all my javascript, including event handlers, in the external JS file. It makes for easier code management.

If you weave your javascript into your HTML, then you can have a real headache when you decide to change those event handlers.

Yes, great. I think I've got it figured out. I think I was working from more recent incarnations of javascript and thrown a bit by "old style" coding.

Thanks,

--Kenoli

Check out this article, which describes how to move event handlers out of HTML and into JS: http://www.digital-web.com/articles/...d_structure_2/

Thanks for the link. It is a great article and I have read it. It was partially being aware of his admonitions on event handling that I got thrown off by the code I found.

I also have his book and find it amazing in how it goes deeper where useful for practical coding and puts the less useful stuff in perspective. So much better than books that seem more focused on a formal presentation of javascript over bringing the readers attention to those things that really impact practical use. Just because something is subtle doesn't mean it doesn't need attention if it has a real world impact. I wish someone would write a book on php like this.

Didn't mean to launch into a review, but couldn't help myself.

--Kenoli