How to dynamically change header based on AngularJS partial view?

javascript

angularjs

promises

callbacks

byAnton Shumikhin·Oct 17, 2024

To rapidly change your AngularJS app's header depending on the current partial view, you can link it to $route alterations. Utilize either $scope or $rootScope to track shifts with the $routeChangeSuccess event and feed in the fresh header value as demanded. You can execute this by deciding on your routes with tailored header titles and binding the header in your key layout template:

app.run(['$rootScope', function($rootScope) {
    $rootScope.$on('$routeChangeSuccess', function(event, current) {
        $rootScope.headerTitle = current.$$route.title || 'Default Header'; //Case of amnesia, fallback to Default
    });
}]);

Establish titles within your routes:

.when('/contact', {
    title: 'Contact Us', //Because we care
    // additional route configuration
});

Place it in your principal layout:

<h1>{{headerTitle}}</h1> //Say it loud - Say it clear!

This snippet will update your headerTitle seamlessly in line with the active route, confirming that the header displays the current view's context.

AngularJS headers: Keeping it dynamic

Dynamic headers add a flare of user interaction to your app; it keeps users cognizant of where they are. The intention is to distinguish roles. Here is how you can simplify this process:

Dedicated Service: Header Logic

Creating a service or directive oriented solely for managing the header confirms that your controllers stay streamlined and focus on their core purpose: serving the view's data. Don't clutter bounty with the clutter:

app.service('Page', function() {
    var pageTitle = 'Default Title'; //That's one small step for man, one giant leap for dynamic headers
    return {
        title: function() { return pageTitle; },
        setTitle: function(newTitle) { pageTitle = newTitle; } //It's a bird...It's a plane...It's a new title!
    };
});

Now, you can inject this service into various controllers to dynamically set titles and impress your users:

app.controller('SomeController', ['Page', function(Page) { 
    Page.setTitle('Specific Page Title'); //Because 'Title' just was not enough! 
}]);

Binding: Elegance embodied

Don't like the jumpy initial curly braces {{}} before AngularJS takes over? Use ng-bind in your HTML templates to keep things smooth:

<title ng-bind="headerTitle"></title>
<h1 ng-bind="headerTitle"></h1>

Implementing custom directives

AngularJS's custom directives are nothing short of sorcery! Implement a dynamicTitle directive that can keep an eye on view changes and update the document's title accordingly:

app.directive('dynamicTitle', ['$rootScope', 'Page', function($rootScope, Page) {
    return {
        link: function(scope, element) {
            function setHeader() { //Help the directive set the header for the dynamic header life!
              //Using the service to fetch current title
                element.text(Page.title()); 
            }
            
            // Update the header with route changes
            $rootScope.$on('$routeChangeSuccess', setHeader);
            
            // Early bird gets the header
            setHeader(); 
        }
    };
}]);

Extending your dynamic header skill set

Modular Header Components

Using ng-include, you can modularly add header components depending on the current view. Have your views dictate which header component they require.