Correct Way To Open Blank

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1

Hi,

I am using the following code to open a blank page however this creates an HTML error.

Does anyone know the correct code to open a blank page. Im sure this used to work fine.

target="_blank" class='venuelink'
2

Run for cover!

This no longer validates as it is considered bad practice. You are forcing the user to open a new window and you should really leave that decision up to the user. It also breaks back button functionality etc.

3

When you say “HTML error”, are you referring to a validation error? target=“_blank” is correct for HTML but is invalid for XHTML.

If you are using XHTML, you will have to use Javascript to open your target in a new window in order for it to validate. Like this:


onclick="window.open(this.href,'_blank'); return false;"

Complete link would be:


<a href="http://www.sitepoint.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href,'_blank'); return false;">Sitepoint</a>

The “return: false;” part is important.

You could also do something similar to this:

4 

<a href="http://www.sitepoint.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href,'_blank'); return false;">Sitepoint</a>

Brilliant thanks, do I need to add anything to the head to allow it to recognise the Javascript?

Im using it on a directory which a blank window would work better.

5

Try to use sparingly: Should links open in new windows - http://uxdesign.smashingmagazine.com/2008/07/01/should-links-open-in-new-windows/