I’m struggling to use a JavaScript file hosted on GitHub in my project. When I switch from a local file to the GitHub raw version, my code stops working. I get an error saying the MIME type isn’t executable. Here’s what I’ve tried:
<!-- This works fine -->
<script src="local-editor.js"></script>
<!-- This doesn't work -->
<script src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/user/repo/main/fancy-editor.js"></script>
Is there a way to make this work? Or maybe a different service I could use to host and link to JavaScript files? I’m new to web development and could really use some help figuring this out. Thanks!
I’ve encountered this issue before. The problem is that GitHub’s raw files are served with a ‘text/plain’ MIME type, which browsers won’t execute as JavaScript. Instead, try using jsDelivr, a free CDN that works with GitHub. Replace your GitHub raw link with:
This should resolve the MIME type issue and allow your script to load correctly. Remember to update the URL whenever you make changes to your GitHub file. Also, consider using a specific commit hash instead of ‘main’ for better version control in production environments.
I’ve been down this road before, and it can be frustrating. Raw GitHub links aren’t meant for direct use in production. Here’s what worked for me:
Try using GitHub Pages instead. It’s free and designed for hosting web content. Just enable it in your repo settings and use the URL they provide.
Another option is to self-host. I set up a small server on DigitalOcean for about $5/month. It gives me more control and better performance.
If you’re set on using GitHub, consider using git submodules in your project. This way, you can keep your script in a separate repo but still include it easily.
Remember, each approach has trade-offs. Consider your specific needs and future scalability when choosing a solution.