EventListener

The EventListener interface represents an object that can handle an event dispatched by an EventTarget object.

Note: Due to the need for compatibility with legacy content, EventListener accepts both a function and an object with a handleEvent() property function. This is shown in the example below.

Properties

This interface neither implements, nor inherits, any properties.

Methods

This interface doesn't inherit any methods.

EventListener.handleEvent()
A function that is called whenever an event of the specified type occurs.

Example

HTML

<button id="btn">Click here!</button>

JavaScript

const buttonElement = document.getElementById('btn');

// Add a handler for the 'click' event by providing a callback function.
// Whenever the element is clicked, a pop-up with "Element clicked!" will
// appear.
buttonElement.addEventListener('click', function (event) {
  alert('Element clicked through function!');
});

// For compatibility, a non-function object with a `handleEvent` property is
// treated just the same as a function itself.
buttonElement.addEventListener('click', {
  handleEvent: function (event) {
    alert('Element clicked through handleEvent property!');
  }
});

Result

See Also:

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
DOM
The definition of 'EventListener' in that specification.
Living Standard No change.
Document Object Model (DOM) Level 2 Events Specification
The definition of 'EventListener' in that specification.
Obsolete Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
EventListenerChrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1IE Full support 9Opera Full support 7Safari Full support 1WebView Android Full support 1Chrome Android Full support 18Firefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support 10.1Safari iOS Full support 1Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.0
handleEventChrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1IE Full support 9Opera Full support 7Safari Full support 1WebView Android Full support 1Chrome Android Full support 18Firefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support 10.1Safari iOS Full support 1Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.0

Legend

Full support
Full support