external js file - local or cross domain?

[therake]

Hello. Apologies for what could be a very newbie question!

I am using an external js file. This file needs to be used on multiple sites so my first choice would be to have all the sites grab it from one location (

http://www.mydomain.comSLASHsomejsfile.js).

Are there any downsides to this? Is there any difference in loading between linking to a local file (relative to each site) and a centrally located file? Does users connection speed factor into reading external files?

Hope this is clear. I am obviously quite new to javascript and its uses. Thanks a bunch for your help!

 

[trollacious]

Since you control all the domains, that will reduce the potential problems with loading JS files across domains. The only other problem I can think of is that the site with the JS files may go down while those calling those files wouldn't necessarily follow suit. I imagine other people who have tried this will have some stories from their experiences, too.

Lee

 

[theniteowl]

Does users connection speed factor into reading external files?

Of course their connection speed will be a factor but it will be no different than any file. Since all of the files have to be downloaded to the client their connection speed is always a factor. The only thing that would make it different for your scenario above is if the .js files were on a server that delivered the files slower than the clients connection speed could download them.
To keep performance up you would want your common link files on a server that can deliver them relatively quickly.


It's hard to think outside the box when I'm trapped in a cubicle.