Open Link in new window - then open other link in the same window!

[JimmyP]

I have three 'help' links. I want them to all open in new windows/tabs.

But, if the new 'help' window had already been opened I want the other links, if they are clicked on, to use that window.

So at anytime, only two windows will be open...

Is this possible? ... Does anyone know how to do it?

Thank you

[paul_wilkins]

if (!window.['helpWindow']) {
    // create help window
}
// use help window

[JimmyP]

Thank you pmw57... but I am no JS wiz...

Could you take me through exactly how I would open a new window with the name of 'helpwindow' and then use that window if it is already open...?

Thank you

[JimmyP]

Actually nevermind I think I have it....

One thing though - How do I change the location in the already opened window?

[paul_wilkins]

// Create new window
window.helpWindow = window.open('', 'helpWindow');
// Window now referenced as window.helpWindow or window['helpWindow']
 
// Redirect the window
window.helpWindow.location.href = 'http://www.google.com';

Extra for experts: What purpose does the 'helpWindow' name in the open method serve?

[JimmyP]

THANK YOU!! - I have it working now!

Anyway - I have another problem now - I don't think it is worth starting another thread...

Why does this not work???

window.onload = function1('uilink1');
function function1(linkid) {
	var thelink = document.getElementById(linkid);
	var location = thelink.getAttribute('href');
	alert(location);
}

<a href="http://www.google.com" id="uilink1">Link 1</a>

[jimfraser]

Because this line:
window.onload = function1('uilink1');

assigns the return value of function1('uilink1') to window.onload. But what you really want is to assign that function to onload, so use:

window.onload = function () {function1('uilink1');};

If there were no parameters you could do

window.onload = function1;

[JimmyP]

Thanks jimfraser - it works perfectly now, plus I learnt something

[paul_wilkins]

And if you were going to use the function only once, you could use an anonymous function.

window.onload = function () {
    var linkid = 'uilink1';
    var thelink = document.getElementById(linkid);
    var location = thelink.getAttribute('href');
    alert(location);
}