<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>target="_blank" and the deprecated target="blank" in HTML.
Introduction
In HTML, the <a> (anchor) tag is used to create hyperlinks. The target attribute within this tag determines where the linked content should open when a user clicks on it. While target="_blank" is a common way to open links in a new browser tab or window, target="blank" (without the underscore) was once used for the same purpose but is now considered obsolete.
Key Differences in Table Format
| Feature | target="_blank" | target="blank" (Deprecated) |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior | Opens the link in a new tab or window every time. | Initially opens in a new tab/window, reuses it later. |
| Browser Compatibility | Widely supported by all modern browsers. | Might cause inconsistencies in older browsers. |
| Standard Compliance | Compliant with HTML5 specifications. | Not compliant with modern HTML standards. |
| Recommendation | Recommended for consistent behavior across browsers. | Should be avoided due to obsolescence. |
Advantages and Disadvantages
target="_blank"
Advantages:
- Consistent User Experience: Ensures a predictable experience, with links always opening in new tabs/windows.
- Modern Standard: Aligns with current HTML best practices.
- Security: Helps mitigate tab-nabbing attacks (where malicious sites can take control of the original tab). To further enhance security, always use
rel="noopener"in combination withtarget="_blank".
Disadvantages:
- Increased Resource Usage: Opening multiple tabs can consume more browser memory and system Resources.
- Potential User Annoyance: Some users might prefer links to open in the same tab.
target="blank" (Deprecated)
Advantages:
- Slightly Reduced Resource Usage: By reusing an existing tab, it might save a tiny amount of resources compared to
target="_blank".
- Slightly Reduced Resource Usage: By reusing an existing tab, it might save a tiny amount of resources compared to
Disadvantages:
- Inconsistent Behavior: May not work as expected in all browsers.
- Non-Standard: Not recommended due to obsolescence and potential conflicts with newer HTML features.
- Security Risk: More vulnerable to tab-nabbing attacks compared to
target="_blank".
Similarities
Both target="_blank" and target="blank" were designed to open hyperlinks in a new browser tab or window. They share the same basic purpose but differ in their implementation and recommended usage.
FAQs
Why should I use
rel="noopener"withtarget="_blank"?rel="noopener"is a security measure that prevents the newly opened page from accessing the original page through JavaScript. This combination helps protect against tab-nabbing attacks.
Can I still use
target="blank"in my HTML code?- Technically, it might still work in some browsers, but it’s strongly discouraged due to its outdated status and potential compatibility issues.
Are there alternatives to
target="_blank"?- Yes, you can use JavaScript to open links in new tabs/windows, providing more flexibility and control. However,
target="_blank"is generally the simplest and most widely supported approach.
- Yes, you can use JavaScript to open links in new tabs/windows, providing more flexibility and control. However,
Is it bad practice to open too many tabs?
- While not strictly “bad practice,” it can consume significant system resources and might frustrate users who prefer links to open in the same tab. Consider the context and user preferences when deciding how to open links.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any of these aspects or have any other questions.