how to open href link in a new tab javascript

Jane Haynes

2 min read

·

06-09-2024

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When you click on a link, it typically navigates you away from your current page. However, sometimes you might want to keep your current page open and load a new one in a different tab. This is where opening an HREF link in a new tab comes in handy. In this article, we will explore various methods to achieve this using JavaScript.

Why Open Links in a New Tab?

Opening links in a new tab can improve user experience by allowing visitors to view additional content without losing their current page. It’s like having two doors in your house: you can step into a new room without closing off the one you’re currently enjoying.

Methods to Open HREF Links in a New Tab

1. Using the target Attribute

The simplest way to open a link in a new tab is by using the target attribute in your HTML anchor tag. Here’s how you can do it:

<a href="https://example.com" target="_blank">Open Example in New Tab</a>

Explanation:

• The target="_blank" attribute tells the browser to open the link in a new tab.

2. Using JavaScript window.open() Method

You can also use JavaScript to open a link in a new tab. This method provides more flexibility, especially if you want to programmatically determine the URL or other options. Here’s a basic example:

<a href="#" onclick="openLinkInNewTab('https://example.com')">Open Example in New Tab</a>

<script>
function openLinkInNewTab(url) {
    window.open(url, '_blank');
}
</script>

Explanation:

• The openLinkInNewTab function uses window.open() to open the specified URL in a new tab.
• The '_blank' parameter indicates that it should open in a new tab.

3. Event Listeners for Dynamic Links

If you have multiple links and want to apply this feature dynamically, you can use JavaScript with event listeners. Here’s how:

<a href="https://example.com" class="new-tab">Open Example in New Tab</a>
<a href="https://anotherexample.com" class="new-tab">Open Another Example in New Tab</a>

<script>
document.querySelectorAll('.new-tab').forEach(link => {
    link.addEventListener('click', function(event) {
        event.preventDefault(); // Prevent the default anchor click behavior
        window.open(this.href, '_blank'); // Open the link in a new tab
    });
});
</script>

Explanation:

• This script selects all links with the class new-tab and attaches a click event listener to each.
• The event.preventDefault() method prevents the default action (navigating to the link).
• Then it opens the link in a new tab.

Conclusion

Opening HREF links in a new tab is a straightforward process in JavaScript. By using the target attribute or JavaScript methods like window.open(), you can enhance user experience and keep your users engaged with your content.

Quick Recap:

• Use the target="_blank" attribute for simple cases.
• Utilize window.open() in JavaScript for more control.
• Apply event listeners for dynamic scenarios.

Experiment with these methods and find the best fit for your project. Happy coding!

Further Reading

• HTML Anchor Tags
• JavaScript Window.open() Method

By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you'll be well on your way to mastering link management in your web projects!