Manual Script Tag Inclusion
Manual Script Tag Inclusion is a web development technique where JavaScript files are explicitly added to HTML documents using <script> tags, typically in the <head> or <body> sections. This method involves manually managing dependencies, loading order, and versioning of scripts without relying on modern build tools or module systems. It was the standard approach for including JavaScript in web pages before the widespread adoption of module bundlers and package managers.
Developers should learn this technique when working with legacy codebases, simple static websites, or environments where build tools are impractical, such as quick prototypes or educational examples. It's also useful for understanding the fundamentals of how browsers load and execute JavaScript, which helps debug issues in more complex modern setups. However, for production applications with multiple dependencies, automated tools like Webpack or Vite are preferred for better performance and maintainability.