onMalformedInput

onMalformedInput is a JavaScript event that may be fired by certain media elements, such as the `<audio>` and `<video>` tags, when their decoding engine encounters data that it cannot interpret. This event is part of the HTML5 media specification and is designed to provide developers with a way to handle corrupted or improperly formatted media files gracefully.

When a media element's internal parser encounters a problem with the media data it is attempting to play, it can trigger the onMalformedInput event. This allows a script to execute a specific function to manage the situation. Common responses to this event include displaying an error message to the user, attempting to load an alternative media source, or simply stopping playback.

The onMalformedInput event does not provide specific details about the nature of the malformed input. It simply indicates that a problem has occurred. Developers can access this event through standard JavaScript event listeners, for example, using `mediaElement.addEventListener('malformedinput', handleMalformedInput);`. This event is distinct from other media events like 'error', which can indicate a broader range of issues, including network problems or unsupported codecs. Understanding and handling onMalformedInput can contribute to a more robust and user-friendly media playback experience in web applications.