javascript - How do websites end up breaking middle-click functionality? -

by default, middle-click open link in new tab.

some sites end breaking functionality. middle-click ends being same left-click.

why happen? because program functionality click event, , erroneously have apply clicks instead of left-click?

is problem solved explicitly giving behavior middle-click? or making existing click behavior code apply more narrowly?

overview:

it easy inadvertently prevent middle-click functionality in webkit browsers. in webkit browsers such chrome, safari, , modern opera, middle-clicking on link fires preventable click event. behavior differs firefox , ie, middle-clicking link not fire click event.

there an open bug report 2008 on issue, unfortunately not appear have gone anywhere in last 7 years.

problem code:

so let's take @ how easy break functionality in webkit browsers while doing ordinary.

var link = document.getelementbyid('link');  link.addeventlistener('click', function(e) {      e.preventdefault();      alert('you clicked!');  });

<a id="link" href="http://www.example.com/">example.com</a>

code similar common when using link to preform other tasks, such preventing going link load content ajax instead. given webkit's middle-click behavior, prevent native middle-click behavior.

a solution developers:

it possible resolve inconsistency detecting mouse button pressed using non-standard widely-implemented mouseevent.which property. following code allow middle-click function behave normal.

better code:

var link = document.getelementbyid('link');  link.addeventlistener('click', function(e) {      if (e.which === 2) {          return;      }      e.preventdefault();      alert('you clicked!');  });

<a id="link" href="http://www.example.com/">example.com</a>

unfortunately, since preserving normal behavior requires additional knowledge , implementation developer, unless webkit bug fixed, websites break functionality doubtlessly continue. more-than-likely many developers not know function of middle-click exists, let alone testing compatibility.

a solution users:

this problem has prompted creation of @ least few different browser extensions aimed @ fixing problem. here ones listed chrome in bug report mentioned above.

• fix chrome middle click behavior
• middle button new tab
• middle click mini

conclusion:

so yes, websites handle behavior using code preserve middle-click functionality in webkit browsers.