content/snippets/js/s/void-links.md
---
title: Avoid "javascript:void(0)" for empty links
type: tip
language: javascript
tags: [browser,accessibility]
cover: white-flower
excerpt: There are many ways to create empty links, some more appropriate than others. Learn how to best handle empty links with this quick tip.
listed: true
dateModified: 2021-06-12
---
There are various ways to create an empty link, but some options are more appropriate than others. One of the most common debates about it is if one should use `href=""`, `href="#"` or `href="javascript:void(0)"`.
Generally, you want to avoid `href="javascript:void(0)"`, as it will cause the browser to parse the value of the link URL, which is both costly and unnecessary. It also introduces a potential XSS security vulnerability, as `javascript:` URLs violate Content Security Policy (CSP).
With that out of the way, it's clear that `href=""` or `href="#"` should be preferred in most cases. One key difference between the two is that `href="#"` points to the top of the page whereas `href=""` points to the current page. This can have unwanted side-effects, such as scrolling to the top of the page or issues with link styling respectively. To prevent either one of them from acting as links, you can use `Event.preventDefault()` and handle them appropriately using JavaScript.
Finally, when creating an empty link, one should always consider more semantically appropriate alternatives, such as a `<button>`, `<div>` or `<span>` tag. After all, a link should always behave like a link and hijacking it with JavaScript or any other means is bound to run into some accessibility problems sooner or later.