Ask HN: Why isn't HN using target=“_blank” for links?

1 pointsdatasmurf10y ago6 comments

It just annoys me a lot, that i always have to use <Right click -> "Open in New Tab"> for a link. Why isn't "target="_blank" used? I'm just curious.

6 comments

michielr10y ago

It's about giving the user the option. If you use target blank it's impossible to stay in the same tab. Which can be a hassle on mobile or it could get blocked as an ad as well. How hard is CTRL + click or MMB?

datasmurfOP10y ago

If the link opens a target on a other website it should be opened in a new tab. If it's a link on the same site it shouldn't.

tired_man10y ago

I believe there are a number of addons that will do that for you.

1 more reply

willstepp10y ago

In certain cases I use target blank myself, but there is some thought in UX design that its often better to let the user decide how to open a link for themselves.

alphajson10y ago

Asked myself this question more than once...

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