Open new windows w/out javascript?

[jimshu79]

I know sometimes search engines like javascript, sometimes they dont...And on my 'links' page i'm using javascript to open a new window when the user clicks on the link...example:

<a href="javascript:void(0)" onClick="MM_openBrWindow('http://www.example.com/','','')" onMouseOver="MM_displayStatusMsg('http://www.example.com/');return document.MM_returnValue" onMouseOut="MM_displayStatusMsg('');return document.MM_returnValue" style="text-decoration:none">example</a>

Question:
Can I use the "onclick" command without using javascript?
Does this usage of javascript hurt my webpage?

thanks...Jim

[RonPK]

May I suggest this solution:

<a href="ht*p://ww.example.com" onClick="window.open('ht*p://www.example.com', '', ''); return false" ...

This way the link can be used by browsers and SE bots with and without JavaScript enabled.

[txbakers]

Can I use the "onclick" command without using javascript?

no, onClick is a javascript event handler.

[jimshu79]

cool, i'll give it a shot right now...

[jimshu79]

oh.....so, unless i make a javascript link i can NOT use onclick?

[bruhaha]

onClick="MM_openBrWindow('http://www.example.com/','','')"

May I assume you are just simplifying the code for the sake of discussion? If not --if you really do not intend to specify any details about the window you are opening (such as size, location)-- then why are you even using javascript, and not just an ordinary HTML link?

If, on the other hand, you do specify them in your code, RonPK's solution is the way to go -- it will give exactly what you want for those who have javascript turned on, and the most important part for those who don't.

(And one minor addition/clarification to RonPK's script: since your intention is, presumably, to open a new window,remember to add the named target for those not reading javascript.)

[edited by: bruhaha at 7:01 pm (utc) on Feb. 9, 2004]

[jimshu79]

i see...so for a newbie who would like to add a piece of text, lets say: Example
and make it open a new window when clicked on, pointing to: ht*p://www.example.com ...

how should my code read for that?

[DrDoc]

<a href="http://www.example.com" target="_blank" onclick="window.open('http://www.example.com','',''); return false;">Example</a>

:)

[bruhaha]

To keep it simple:

<a href="ht*p://www.example.com" target="_blank">Example</a>

(I see DrDoc's fingers move faster. And he did give you more complete code. But again, you only really need that if you plan to add other specifications about the window [height,width,location, which toolbars you wish to display or not]for your javascript-enabled users.)

[edited by: bruhaha at 7:07 pm (utc) on Feb. 9, 2004]

[txbakers]

<a href="#" onClick="window.open('http://www.example.xxy','page','scrollbars=no')">Example</a>

[jimshu79]

Sweet =) it works great. I guess now I can go through my site and clean out all the 'javascript' the rest of the day!

thanks...
Jim

[tedster]

Just to clarify a bit more, the onClick event handler automatically invokes javascript, so there is no need to use javascript: with it.

This doesn't mean you are not using javascript -- you are -- it's just that you do not need to invoke javascript with an explicit call because it's automatic with the event handler.

I think that point was causing some confusion earlier in this thread.

[jimshu79]

I see, ok...but in the end, the code is cleaner and easier for the search engines, right?

Jim

[DrDoc]

The main difference is that you're actually putting the URL in the href attribute. This means that both SEs and users with JS turned off will be able to follow the link.

It's like having a popup with alternative behavior :)