When trying to dynamically load a Javascript file using jQuery I keep getting a "not well-formed" error message. I have found people with similar problems on here but have yet to see a resolution provided.

My main script uses:

$.ajax({
    url: 'test.js',
    dataType: 'script',
    cache: true,
    success: loadScriptReturn
});

function loadScriptReturn() { }

My dynamically loaded script (test.js) in its simplest form:

alert('Hello World.');

Since I am specifically loading this as a script MIME type it eliminates the possibility that Firefox is confused as to what type of file is being pulled in. Is there a way to solve this problem? Alternatively, is there a way to shut off this specific error in Firefox? (note: this is an error, not a warning, which is extremely annoying because I do want to see subsequent error messages -- bad on Firefox as this should have been a warning, not an error)

Keep in mind, this example WORKS, but it still produces an error. Given how many scripts I need to load dynamically it will be tedious trying to sort through "real" error messages if I can't find a way to get rid of this.

Thank you in advance to contributors!

When trying to dynamically load a Javascript file using jQuery I keep getting a "not well-formed" error message. I have found people with similar problems on here but have yet to see a resolution provided.

My main script uses:

$.ajax({
    url: 'test.js',
    dataType: 'script',
    cache: true,
    success: loadScriptReturn
});

function loadScriptReturn() { }

My dynamically loaded script (test.js) in its simplest form:

alert('Hello World.');

Since I am specifically loading this as a script MIME type it eliminates the possibility that Firefox is confused as to what type of file is being pulled in. Is there a way to solve this problem? Alternatively, is there a way to shut off this specific error in Firefox? (note: this is an error, not a warning, which is extremely annoying because I do want to see subsequent error messages -- bad on Firefox as this should have been a warning, not an error)

Keep in mind, this example WORKS, but it still produces an error. Given how many scripts I need to load dynamically it will be tedious trying to sort through "real" error messages if I can't find a way to get rid of this.

Thank you in advance to contributors!

• javascript
• jquery
• firefox
• non-well-formed

Share Improve this question Follow asked Apr 3, 2012 at 15:26 OrangeFrogOrangeFrog 29544 silver badges1212 bronze badges 4

• I doubt this is Firefox giving you this message. More likely Firebug. – Mark Fraser Commented Apr 3, 2012 at 15:29
• Yes, probably Firebug - in addition, you should not be using ajax() to fetch JS script - you should be using getScript() api.jquery./jQuery.getScript - While one is shorthand for the other, it is more clear. – Dutchie432 Commented Apr 3, 2012 at 15:31
• Also check your encoding. If you are using UTF-8, make sure that you arn't using a BOM because this can cause all sorts of headaches. – mekwall Commented Apr 3, 2012 at 15:32
• You're right, Firebug error, but I did find a solution (see ment below)... thanks everyone for checking into this. I spent 3-4 hours yesterday and 1-2 hours today trying to figure this out. Turns out this is only thrown when using Ajax locally; remotely: no error. – OrangeFrog Commented Apr 3, 2012 at 16:56

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2 Answers 2

Sorted by: Reset to default 2

I found several questions that may help you:

• not well-formed error in firefox
• "not well-formed" error in Firefox when loading JSON file with XMLHttpRequest

The general consensus is that you need to change the MIME type to application/json.

A better way to load script dynamically:

$('head').append('<script type="text/javascript" src="test.js"></script>');