What are the three phases of event propagation in order?

The three phases of event propagation in the JavaScript event model are capturing, target, and bubbling. In the capturing phase, the event is first captured from the top of the DOM tree down to the target element. This phase allows parent elements to capture the event before it reaches the target. Once the event reaches the target, it signifies the target phase where the event is processed by the intended element. After the target phase, the event then propagates back up the DOM tree in the bubbling phase, allowing parent elements to respond to the event after it has been handled by the target.

Understanding this sequence is crucial for effective event handling in JavaScript. The capturing phase is less commonly used compared to bubbling but is important in specific scenarios where an event should be caught early in its journey. This order—capturing first, then the target, and finally bubbling back up—ensures that all relevant handlers can react appropriately to an event.