Inspiring

Answered

target=_new or not?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
July 19, 2018
3 replies
1489 views

I forgot: When sending the site visitor to an off-site link via"<a href- . . .", etc., is it best to add the qualifier "target=_new", to be sure the user returns to the page she started from? My intuition says "Yes, use it" (otherwise you depend on visitor's remembering to use the 'back' arrow on browser), but I would like a confirmation from one of you.

Or, maybe I just answered my own question (?).

Best,

jwc

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer pziecina

First there is no reliable method of detecting if it is a mobile device or not anymore. Smartphone screens are now into the standard tablet size domain in landscape mode, and 'pro' tablets are more the size of laptops.

Tablet devices themselves are also a big question mark. I prefer a new tab when using a tablet device, but only if the subject matter is external to the site and reference material. If it is a link to something within the site I prefer it to replace the current page.

I think for most people opening a new tab will depend on the relevance to the referring page/article.

WolfShade

Legend

Two links that you should read, regarding target="_blank":

https://www.jitbit.com/alexblog/256-targetblank---the-most-underestimated-vulnerability-ever/

http://archive.jalada.co.uk/2011/02/10/why-you-shouldnt-use-target_blank-and-what-to-use-instead.html

V/r,

^ _ ^

J

JackAuthor

Inspiring

I feel like I have opened a can of worms. Your links refer to “target = blank”, which I stay away from, have never used. I’m asking about ‘target=new”.

Best,

jwc

WolfShade

Legend

Target blank, target new, basically same thing with different names. If you _are_ going to use them, read the articles and get a better understanding of what you are doing. The first one points out a vulnerability that you should at least be aware of.

V/r,

^ _ ^

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

target="_blank" is what I use to force a new browser window / tab to open on desktops. But it does not work on mobile devices which open links in the parent window. The Back button is disabled in a new window / tab. So users must close it.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

pziecina

Legend

Two schools of thought on this -

The first agrees with you, use it.

The second, users on mobile devices do not like another tab opening.

Take your choice, but remember mobile usage now exceeds desktop/laptop.

J

JackAuthor

Inspiring

Well,that is interesting indeed. First off, I do all my testing on desktop system, bu clearly need to capture the OSX community of users. Two questions:

1 - How ‘mobile’ is a tablet?

2 - Could you point me to a script that I can embed in the home page header, which detects the size of device being used by the site visitor, so that I can program the links accordingly?

pziecinaCorrect answer

Legend

First there is no reliable method of detecting if it is a mobile device or not anymore. Smartphone screens are now into the standard tablet size domain in landscape mode, and 'pro' tablets are more the size of laptops.

Tablet devices themselves are also a big question mark. I prefer a new tab when using a tablet device, but only if the subject matter is external to the site and reference material. If it is a link to something within the site I prefer it to replace the current page.

I think for most people opening a new tab will depend on the relevance to the referring page/article.

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