Bootstrap 3 collapsed menu doesn't close on click

Unfolding the folds

While deploying this solution, keep an eye out for duplicates amongst your script references for jquery.js and bootstrap.js. Duplicates could trigger toggle issues and lead your application to Narnia. Also, be aware of other JavaScript code which might act like an unsolicited chaperone, preventing the menu from closing as we want.

The Mystery of Attributes

The humble anchor tag comes to the rescue here; just tag along data-toggle="collapse" and data-target=".navbar-collapse"to it and voila! An auto-collapse functionality is now part of your UI toolkit. This not only simplifies your layout but also ensures that your users aren't left hanging (pun intended) with a menu that refuses to close.

The Art of Clickcraft

In the spirit of adaptability, always ensure that your code grows as your application does. Future-proof your menu links by employing jQuery events on a document ready function. Doing this equals to sowing the seeds for lasting robustness and maintainability while also ensuring the notorious menu-flashing-when-toggled manifestation is kept at bay.

/* 
"I solemnly swear that I am up to good", says every document that's ready 
to deal with these pesky links within the collapsed menu 
*/
$(document).ready(function() {
    $('.navbar-collapse').on('click', 'a:not(.dropdown-toggle)', function() {
        $('.navbar-collapse').collapse('hide');
    });
});


Here's a fun twist though: if your menu structure includes sub-menus, tread lightly. The toggle link for the sub-menus must be exempt from the closing logic – handle with care, you've been warned!

Testing to Perfection (read: Rescuing your Server)

Once you're done crafting your masterpiece, put it to test! Ensure your main menu, as well as any sub-menus, behave exactly as you'd expect them to. Put them through the wringer, until they sing the sweet song of success.

Staving off trouble at the Pass

When nurturing a responsive menu, it's quite easy to stumble head first into some common pitfalls. To avoid hitting a stonewall, thoroughly comb through your menu class to ensure it aligns with Bootstrap's age-old wisdom and diverts any potential menu-flashing debacles with elegance.

Moreover, always be on your guard for potential multiple event bindings, especially when engaging with third-party plugins or those innocuous-looking custom scripts. Untangle this early on to escape the perilous abyss of marathon debugging sessions!

For a deep dive into this, refer to this carefully curated GitHub issue thread. Enrich your understanding with this collective genius of developers who've braved the same battleground!