Small interactive HTML can locate its own script

An inline script can use document.currentScript to find its own element and replace it with computed text, or wire up controls beside it. Lean Rada demonstrates dates, metadata and a small counter without assigning global element IDs. For asynchronous work, capture the element before the callback runs. Shared synchronous helpers can block rendering, and fetched HTML still needs sanitizing.

Lean Rada · Mar 7, 2025

Why it matters

The technique keeps tiny interactive sections near their markup without requiring a full templating system.

More context

This is an older JavaScript technique worth revisiting, not a new browser feature. Try the direct form for small page enhancements and include a useful fallback when JavaScript is unavailable.

Keep in mind

It is a narrow pattern; convenience does not remove loading, security or accessibility responsibilities.

Original read