void operator

The void operator evaluates the given expression and then returns undefined.

Syntax

JavaScript
void expression

Description

This operator allows inserting expressions that produce side effects into places where an expression that evaluates to undefined is desired.

The void operator is often used merely to obtain the undefined primitive value, usually using "void(0)" (which is equivalent to "void 0"). In these cases, the global variable undefined can be used instead (assuming it has not been assigned to a non-default value).

Immediately Invoked Function Expressions

When using an immediately-invoked function expression, void can be used to force the function keyword to be treated as an expression instead of a declaration.

JavaScript
void function iife() {
    var bar = function () {};
    var baz = function () {};
    var foo = function () {
        bar();
        baz();
     };
    var biz = function () {};

    foo();
    biz();
}();

JavaScript URIs

When a browser follows a javascript: URI, it evaluates the code in the URI and then replaces the contents of the page with the returned value, unless the returned value is undefined. The void operator can be used to return undefined. For example:

HTML
<a href="javascript:void(0);">
  Click here to do nothing
</a>

<a href="javascript:void(document.body.style.backgroundColor='green');">
  Click here for green background
</a>

Note, however, that the javascript: pseudo protocol is discouraged over other alternatives, such as unobtrusive event handlers.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
ECMAScript 2017 Draft (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The void Operator' in that specification.
Draft  
ECMAScript 2015 (6th Edition, ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The void Operator' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 5.1 (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The void Operator' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 3rd Edition (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The void Operator' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 1st Edition (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'The void Operator' in that specification.
Standard Initial definition. Implemented in JavaScript 1.1

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)
Feature Android Chrome for Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)

See also

License

© 2016 Mozilla Contributors
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License v2.5 or later.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-us/docs/web/javascript/reference/operators/void

JavaScript operator Operator Unary