I have a javascript function that is called when a link is clicked. However I just want the function to run without the link redirecting. I have heard I should use return false but it doesn't work!

function hideaddclasses(e){
var element = document.getElementById("addclasses");
if(element.style.display=="none"){
    element.style.display="";
}else{
    element.style.display="none";
}
e.preventDefault();
return false;
}

Then for the html I simply have:

<a href='#' onclick='hideaddclasses()'>[ Hide ]</a>

Why does it still redirect?

I have a javascript function that is called when a link is clicked. However I just want the function to run without the link redirecting. I have heard I should use return false but it doesn't work!

function hideaddclasses(e){
var element = document.getElementById("addclasses");
if(element.style.display=="none"){
    element.style.display="";
}else{
    element.style.display="none";
}
e.preventDefault();
return false;
}

Then for the html I simply have:

<a href='#' onclick='hideaddclasses()'>[ Hide ]</a>

Why does it still redirect?

• javascript
• http-redirect

• 1 The return false; may have to be in the "onclick" itself: onclick='hideaddclasses(); return false;' – Brad Commented Feb 7, 2012 at 3:56

2 Answers 2

<a href='#' onclick='return hideaddclasses()'>[ Hide ]</a>

(Note the return).

You can use e.preventDefault()