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How to open a URL in a new Tab using JavaScript or jQuery?

javascript
prompt-engineering
callbacks
responsive-design
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 20, 2024
TLDR

To swiftly display a web page in a fresh tab, use window.open() function providing URL and '_blank' parameter:

window.open('https://www.example.com', '_blank');

Executes in a jiffy, a new tab pops up with your desired web page.

Attaching window.open() to JavaScript events aids in creating dynamic new tabs. In jQuery, this functionality binds perfectly to click events. Be vigilant of browser policies - they may block pop-ups not sprung from user actions.

Detailed Implementation Insights

Safeguarding Against Browser's Pop-up Policies

Browsers employ pop-up blockers to protect from unwelcome, intrusive behaviour. When leveraging window.open(), consider:

  1. var newTab = window.open(); - Open a new tab.
  2. if (!newTab) - Verify if a new tab opened or is null.
  3. alert('Please allow pop-ups for this website'); - Inform the user of blocked pop-ups.

Undertaking these checks enhances your application's UX, ensuring your tab-opening script is foolproof.

Focusing and User Interactions

A user launching a new tab would ideally want to shift focus to the new content:

var newTab = window.open('https://www.example.com', '_blank'); newTab.focus(); // 'Look at me!' screams the new tab.

The newly opened tab is highlighted with .focus(), although, some browsers might give precedence to user's manual control.

Assign Click Events in jQuery

Within a jQuery context, avoid the automatic redirection of anchor tags and configure a custom click event:

$('a.new-tab').click(function(event) { event.preventDefault(); // 'Hold your horses, I got this!' says your script to the anchor tag. window.open(this.href, '_blank').focus(); // 'New window... open sesame!' });

With .preventDefault(), you effectively stop an anchor tag's default behaviour, window.open() paired with '_blank' replaces this with a new tab opening.

Compatibility and Workarounds

Browser Behaviours and window.open()

Browser responses can vary:

  • Some forge a new window instead of a tab.
  • Others impose size or feature restrictions.

For cross-browser compatibility, rigorous testing is your friend.

Fallback Strategies

In situations where JavaScript is disabled or blocked consistently, an HTML form submission can be a saviour:

<form action="https://www.example.com" target="_blank" method="get"> <input type="submit" value="Visit Site in New Tab"> // Talk about sneaky ways :-) </form>

A simple form transforms into a JavaScript-disguised trojan horse, offering a server-side alternative.

Responsible Tab Handling

While new tab openings are a powerful tool, they can be disruptive if overused, leading to negative user experiences. Employ this functionality wisely and always remember - user’s comfort is the North Star.