Comparison of Setting Location to a URL String vs. Setting Location.href

In JavaScript, you have two options for changing the URL in the browser's address bar:

1. Setting location to a URL string:

location = "http://www.stackoverflow.com";

2. Setting location.href to a URL string:

location.href = "http://www.stackoverflow.com";

Which Option to Choose?

Both methods achieve the same result: loading the specified URL in the browser window. However, there are some subtle differences to consider:

• Shorter syntax: Setting location directly is slightly shorter than using location.href. If you're prioritizing brevity, this may be the preferred option.
• Equivalence: Both assignments conform to JavaScript 1.0 specifications and have been implemented in all major browsers. Therefore, their functionality is interchangeable.

Recommendation:

Based on these factors, the choice between setting location directly and using location.href ultimately depends on personal preference. If clarity is paramount, using location.href explicitly may be preferable. Conversely, if you're targeting terseness, setting location directly can save a few characters.