MessagePort.start()

The start() method of the MessagePort interface starts the sending of messages queued on the port. This method is only needed when using EventTarget.addEventListener; it is implied when using MessageChannel.onmessage.

Note: This feature is available in Web Workers.

Syntax

port.start()

Returns

Void.

Parameters

None.

Example

In the following code block, you can see a handleMessage handler function, run when a message is sent back to this document using onmessage:

channel.port1.onmessage = handleMessage;
function handleMessage(e) {
  para.innerHTML = e.data;
}   

Another option would be to do this using EventTarget.addEventListener, however, when this method is used, you need to explicitly call start() to begin the flow of messages to this document:

channel.port1.addEventListener('message', handleMessage, false);
function handleMessage(e) {
  para.innerHTML = e.data;
  textInput.value = '';
}

channel.port1.start();

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
HTML Living Standard
The definition of 'start()' in that specification.
Living Standard

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
startChrome Full support 4Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support YesIE Full support 10Opera Full support 10.6Safari Full support 5WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support 18Firefox Android No support NoOpera Android Full support 11Safari iOS Full support 5.1Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support

See also