How to Use an HTML Template File as a JavaScript Variable in Vanilla JS

Discover how to efficiently load HTML templates from external files into JavaScript variables using Fetch API in this comprehensive guide.
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Using HTML Templates as JavaScript Variables in Vanilla JS

When working with dynamic web applications, it’s common to want to utilize HTML templates stored in separate files. This allows for clean code organization, reusability, and better maintenance. The problem arises when you need to load these external HTML files into your JavaScript code. The question is: How can we accomplish this in Vanilla JS?

In this guide, we'll explore how you can fetch an HTML template stored in a different file and use that in your JavaScript code as a variable.

The Challenge of HTML Templates

The traditional method to assign an HTML template in JavaScript looks something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

However, if your HTML template is located in a different file, directly assigning it to a variable becomes challenging. You need a way to load that HTML file into your JavaScript variable dynamically.

The Solution: Fetching HTML Files

To load an external HTML file into a JavaScript variable, we can utilize the Fetch API. This modern approach allows us to send network requests to retrieve resources. See how it can be done below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Fetch API

Basic Fetch Syntax:
We will use the fetch function to make a call to the HTML file. Here's the basic code snippet:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Understanding the Code:

.then(template = { ... }): This is where we handle the loaded HTML template. We assign it to our variable.

Important Considerations

Timing: One crucial aspect to note is that variables within the scope of promises may not be ready when you expect to use them. It’s best to work with your template within the .then() block to avoid referencing an undefined variable.

Alternative Approach: Using Async/Await

For better readability and structure, you can use async/await. This syntax allows you to write asynchronous code that looks synchronous. Here’s how you would do it:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Final Note on Browser Support

While async/await simplifies the code, it's important to check for browser compatibility, as older versions of browsers might not support this syntax. Ensure to use the fetch and async/await only when development targets modern browsers.

Conclusion

Loading HTML templates from external files as variables in Vanilla JavaScript is straightforward with the Fetch API. By following the outlined steps, you can dynamically fetch any HTML document and use it within your JavaScript code. This ability enhances your web application's flexibility and maintainability, allowing you to work with multiple templates seamlessly.

If you need more details or a deep-dive into different loading strategies, feel free to ask! Happy coding!