Controlling Link Behavior with the Target Attribute

Hyperlinks are fundamental to web navigation, allowing users to seamlessly jump between different web pages and resources. By default, clicking a link opens the linked document in the same browser tab or window. However, you can control this behavior using the target attribute of the <a> (anchor) tag. This allows you to specify where the linked document should be opened—in the same tab/window, a new tab, a new window, or within a specific frame.

The `target` Attribute

The target attribute accepts several keywords, each dictating how the link should behave. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

_self: This is the default behavior. It opens the linked document in the same frame as it was clicked, replacing the current page.
_blank: This opens the linked document in a new tab or window. The exact behavior (new tab vs. new window) is determined by the user’s browser settings and how they interact with the link (e.g., normal click, middle click, or Ctrl/Cmd + click).
_parent: Opens the linked document in the parent frame. This is relevant when working with framesets or iframes.
_top: Opens the linked document in the full body of the window, effectively breaking out of any frames.
framename: Opens the linked document in a specific named frame. This requires a frame to be defined with the corresponding name.

Opening Links in a New Tab/Window

To open a link in a new tab or window, simply set the target attribute to _blank.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.example.com">Visit Example Website</a>

In this example, clicking the link will open https://www.example.com in a new tab or window, leaving the original page intact.

Security Considerations: `rel="noopener noreferrer"`

When opening links in a new tab/window using target="_blank", it’s crucial to include the rel="noopener noreferrer" attribute. This is a security measure that helps mitigate potential security vulnerabilities related to the window.opener property.

noopener: This prevents the newly opened page from accessing the originating page via window.opener, preventing potential malicious scripts from manipulating the original page.
noreferrer: This prevents the browser from sending referrer information to the linked page. While not strictly a security measure, it enhances user privacy.

Here’s how to include these attributes:

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.example.com">Visit Example Website</a>

Always include rel="noopener noreferrer" when using target="_blank" for improved security and user privacy.

Browser and User Control

It’s important to remember that while you can suggest how a link should be opened using the target attribute, the final decision rests with the browser and the user. Some users may have browser settings that override the target attribute, or they may use keyboard shortcuts (like Ctrl/Cmd + click) to force a link to open in a new tab regardless of the target attribute. Therefore, prioritize providing a good user experience rather than strictly enforcing a particular link behavior.