How Can I Reliably Detect Changes in the URL Hash Using JavaScript?

Catching Changes in Location Hash

When employing Ajax and hash for navigation, it's crucial to detect alterations in the window.location.hash for seamless navigation and browser back button functionality.

Using an Interval-Based Approach

browsers lack native support for events that monitor window.location.hash changes. To address this, one approach is to establish an interval that periodically checks the current hash against its previous value. Upon detecting a discrepancy, a 'changed' event can be triggered. While not foolproof, this method circumvents the lack of native event support.

Leveraging jQuery's Hashchange Event

For those utilizing jQuery, a more straightforward solution is to tap into its events system. jQuery provides a hashchange event that can be listened for on the window object:

$(window).on('hashchange', function() {
  // ... Your code here ...
});

Handling Browser Support with jQuery

jQuery also supports 'special events' that enable custom setup code to be executed before any event is used. In the case of hashchange, if the browser lacks native support, jQuery can configure a timer to monitor changes and trigger the event accordingly.

By utilizing jQuery's abstraction and special events, developers can decouple their code from the complexities of browser support for window.location.hash changes, ensuring seamless navigation and proper back button functionality.

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