Javascript: Setting location.href versus location

Detailed comparison: location.href vs location

Functional similarities

Both location.href and location are able to initiate a redirect in the web browser, and there's virtually no functional difference in their end result in modern browser environments. However, location.href could give your fellow coders a more explicit hint that you're intentionally modifying the href property of the URL.

Browser compatibility: A ticket to the past

For legacy browser compatibility, most notably the Internet Explorer series, the location.href assignment has proven to be a more reliable way of ensuring the redirection effect takes place. It's like using a universal travel adapter – it gets you connected no matter where you are.

Avoiding method confusion

When it comes to using methods like location.replace for history-less redirects, the use of location might draw some confusion, especially when your code also includes various contexts where replace serves other distinct purposes. It's like ordering a Pizza in a Mexican restaurant - confusion guaranteed!

Code readability: Clarity is king

An important software development principle is: "Code is read more often than it's written." Therefore, on the vow of code readability, location.href might be the preferable option. The .href part assures anyone reading your code that you're explicitly changing the URL, as opposed to setting location which might seem like a simple variable assignment.

Web Navigation: A practical guide

Assigning URL with strings

When assigning a fixed URL to navigate to, simply use location.href or location, favoring location.href for its explicit clarity:

// Like giving your car a GPS location
location.href = 'https://www.example.com/going-here'
location = 'https://www.example.com/going-here'
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Redirect without adding to history entries

The location.replace method takes you to the new URL without leaving a trace in the history of the browser:

// It's a secret mission, leave no trace!
location.replace('https://www.example.com/secret-mission');
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Dealing with dynamic URLs

For dynamic URL assignments, consider using the URL object to manipulate complex URL parameters, and then assign the final result to location.href:

// Playing URL Lego blocks here
const url = new URL('https://www.example.com');
url.searchParams.append('query', 'javascript');
location.href = url;
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Casting and manipulating URL as string

And finally, if you need to manipulate the URL as a string without triggering an actual redirection, consider "casting" and manipulating location.href instead:

// Like changing the name tag without going anywhere
const currentUrl = String(location.href);
const newUrl = currentUrl.replace('old-section', 'new-section');
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Code readability and best practices

Maintaining clarity and readability in your code allows it to be self-explanatory. By using location.href, you'll be able to reduce potential misunderstandings and ease future maintenance of your code.

When considering browser compatibility, modern browsers are more forgiving, but we should always consider the potential edge cases in older browsers. Using location.href can help insulate against potential issues here.