Unobtrusive Javascript for Links in New Windows

As we all know, the “target” attribute is not valid in the XHTML Strict Doctype. That can be kind of a pain in the butt when you want to open a link in a new window.

If you’re using the Transitional Doctype you can do something like this:

<a href="http://www.wehaventthetime.com" target="_blank">WeHaventTheTime</a>

But for the Strict Doctype, that’s a big “no, no.” However, here’s a quick unobtrusive javascript solution for getting your links to open in a new window.

Now, with the code above, you just have to add the class “external-link” to any anchor tag in the HTML, and the JS will handle the rest.

<a href="http://www.wehaventthetime.com" class="external-link">WeHaventTheTime</a>

I guess I should probably take my own advice now, and apply the script to this blog… Do as I say, kids, not as I do.