2 minutes April 9, 2024

Steps to Detect Browser Back Button Events in JavaScript

Handling the browser Back Button Events in JavaScript is something many web developers need to do. It’s important because you might want to do something special when a user tries to go back to the previous page. In JavaScript, there are ways to know when the back button is clicked or when the URL changes. We’ll look at a simple way to detect browser back button event in Javascript.

Issue Faced

The main issue faced by developers is how to trigger an event when the user clicks the back button or when there are changes in the URL. Traditional event listeners may not capture these specific actions, leading to challenges in implementing desired functionalities.

Steps / Methods to detect browser back button event in Javascript

Here let’s take a look at three methods in which you can detect browser back button events in JavaScript:

Method 1- Using `beforeunload` Event

javascript

window.addEventListener('beforeunload', () => {
console.log('User clicked back button');

   });

javascript

window.addEventListener('beforeunload', () => {

console.log('User clicked back button');

});

The beforeunload event is triggered just before the document is unloaded, which includes navigating away from the page using the back button. However, note that this event is also triggered when the user closes the tab or refreshes the page.

Method 2- Using `popstate` Event

javascript

window.addEventListener('popstate', () => {

console.log('User clicked back button');

});

javascript

window.addEventListener('popstate', () => {

console.log('User clicked back button');

});

The popstate event is specifically designed to handle navigation within the browsing context’s history stack, including back and forward button clicks. This event provides more control over detecting back button actions.

Got Questions?
If you’re exploring ways to handle browser navigation events effectively and need expert advice, Contact us Now

Method 3- Using `hashchange` Event

javascript

window.addEventListener('hashchange', event => {

console.log('Fragment identifier or URL changed');

});

javascript

window.addEventListener('hashchange', event => {

console.log('Fragment identifier or URL changed');

});

The hashchange event is triggered when there is a change in the fragment identifier (the part of the URL after the ‘#’) or when the URL itself changes. While not directly related to the back button, this event can be useful for tracking URL changes that may occur during navigation.

Conclusion

By following these methods like beforeunload, popstate and hashchange developers can easily detect browser back button events. And also address the associated challenges in triggering actions based on user navigation. Web development agencies can utilise these techniques to create more interactive and responsive web applications.

Recent help desk articles

Greetings! I'm Aneesh Sreedharan, CEO of 2Hats Logic Solutions. At 2Hats Logic Solutions, we are dedicated to providing technical expertise and resolving your concerns in the world of technology. Our blog page serves as a resource where we share insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on your queries.