Validating target

[Lchad]

HI;
I'm struggling with this very basic element. Can anyone help me?
I'm using this code but it's not validating for XHTML 1.0 strict

Code: Select all

Website by<a href="http://www.maine-lyweb.com" target="new"> Maine-ly Web Design</a>

The error message is

You have used the attribute named above in your document, but the document type you are using does not support that attribute for this element. This error is often caused by incorrect use of the "Strict" document type with a document that uses frames (e.g. you must use the "Transitional" document type to get the "target" attribute), or by using vendor proprietary extensions such as "marginheight" (this is usually fixed by using CSS to achieve the desired effect instead).

This error may also result if the element itself is not supported in the document type you are using, as an undefined element will have no supported attributes; in this case, see the element-undefined error message for further information.

Thanks in advance!

[crewdesign]

I dont think you can use target attributes in xhtml. You would have to use javascript instead

[Lchad]

Thanks crewdesign... your answer was just enough to get me going in the right direction.
I did a google search and came up with this article/tut if anyone is interested!
You are right, Javascript is an option...
Thanks

[karinne]

Here more info for you

Using JavaScript instead of target to open new windows

And make sure you scroll to the bottom where it says "Possibly related posts"

[Ryan Fait]

Just thought I'd comment on these because I looked at both of the scripts. Lchad, the article you linked to is strange... It's basically using JavaScript to sidestep XHTML validation. It's tricking validators into thinking that there is no target attribute anywhere, when in reality, JS is placing them behind their backs.

Karinne's link provides a rather bloated script. I prefer this:

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var Popups = {
	init: function() {
		if(!document.getElementsByTagName) {
			return false;
		}
		var links = document.getElementsByTagName("a");
		for(var i=0; i < links.length; i++) {
			if(links[i].className.match("popup")) {
				links[i].onclick = Popups.handle;
			}
		}
	},
	handle: function() {
		window.open(this.href);
		return false;
	}
}
window.onload = Popups.init;

Just add class="popup" to any link and it'll open in a new window.

[ukgeoff]

Lets not forget that however you achieve it, a pop-up is still a pop-up and more and more people block them thanks to their constant abuse.

I strongly suggest that you rethink whether or not there is an alternative approach.

A lot of people have used them on external links because they do not want the user to move away from their web site, but if the web site is good enough, they will come back.

Also, consider the confusion it can cause for some people.

Accessibility!!!

[Lchad]

Well then what is a happy medium. There are instances where you need to offer a link to an outside source. What do you suggest?

[ukgeoff]

Just have your link to an outside source.

In the title attribute you can make reference to the fact that this is an external link along with other useful information.

People will come back to your site if they want to. Don't force them to stay there.

[Ryan Fait]

I really don't like popups at all, either. I have several links to outside sources on my website and they don't open in popups. I figure they will either come back, or open the site in a new window/tab by themselves.

[Lchad]

Well I see your point. This is going to be a hard adjustment for me.

Does CSS3 have a target worked into it's code for the future?

[ukgeoff]

I wouldn't expect it to because you are talking about an 'operational' attribute
and not a 'styling' attribute.

[Ryan Fait]

JavaScript is the only true behavioral part of a website, so it and pop ups go hand in hand.

[moojoo]

I always have new windows etc open in tabs, so nomatter what you do I get a full size window with the content =P.

[Lchad]

moojoo what code do you use to open in new tabs?

[JacobHaug]

I believe moojoo is referring to firefox, which is a tabbed browser....download it, it is free, fast, and cool...lol

[Lchad]

oh... I see.. misunderstood... I have ff... LOL

[moojoo]

Safari and FF I have the prefs set to always open links etc in new tabs not windows.