How can I trigger a URL anchor without automatically scrolling to it?

Question

How can I trigger a URL anchor without automatically scrolling to it?

I need to implement a functionality on my webpage where two tabs can be switched using Javascript, while also updating the URL with an anchor (e.g. page.html#tab1) for bookmarking purposes.

The default setup has the tab contents in separate divs stacked vertically, and the anchor tag helps navigate to the correct one when JS is disabled.

When JS is enabled, CSS classes are applied to create tab-like behavior. Clicking on each tab should switch to the corresponding anchor, but without scrolling to it. The challenge arises when preventing the URL from changing to include the anchor if we return false from the onclick function.

Is there a way to update the browser URL to page.html#tab1 without causing the page to scroll to #tab1?

javascript scroll anchor

Answer 1

Answer №1

After experimenting with this concept for some time, I was initially skeptical of your suggestion (as I rely on the jQuery history plugin to achieve a similar outcome).

However, after extensive testing, I find myself at a loss. It seems unlikely that you can achieve the desired result in the way you described. One potential workaround could involve using JavaScript to manipulate the hash value to something different from what is currently displayed on the page. Upon loading, the script could fetch the correct content based on the modified hash value. This approach is similar to how I manage navigation on my own website. In this scenario, users without JavaScript enabled would experience smooth scrolling, while those with JavaScript would maintain their browsing history. The only complication arises when non-JavaScript users share links with JavaScript-enabled users, or vice versa.

Answer 2

After experimenting with this concept for some time, I was initially skeptical of your suggestion (as I rely on the jQuery history plugin to achieve a similar outcome).

However, after extensive testing, I find myself at a loss. It seems unlikely that you can achieve the desired result in the way you described. One potential workaround could involve using JavaScript to manipulate the hash value to something different from what is currently displayed on the page. Upon loading, the script could fetch the correct content based on the modified hash value. This approach is similar to how I manage navigation on my own website. In this scenario, users without JavaScript enabled would experience smooth scrolling, while those with JavaScript would maintain their browsing history. The only complication arises when non-JavaScript users share links with JavaScript-enabled users, or vice versa.

Answer 3

Answer №2

Here's a quick and easy solution:

var thehash = e.target.hash;
$(thehash).prop('id',thehash.substr(1)+'-noscroll');
window.location.hash = e.target.hash;
$(thehash+'-noscroll').prop('id',thehash.substr(1));

This simple code snippet alters the ID of an HTML element before and after modifying the URL hash. It worked for me, but proceed with caution as it may cause unexpected issues. The purpose of this code is to prevent the browser from scrolling when the hash changes by temporarily changing the ID of the element.

Answer 4

Here's a quick and easy solution:

var thehash = e.target.hash;
$(thehash).prop('id',thehash.substr(1)+'-noscroll');
window.location.hash = e.target.hash;
$(thehash+'-noscroll').prop('id',thehash.substr(1));

This simple code snippet alters the ID of an HTML element before and after modifying the URL hash. It worked for me, but proceed with caution as it may cause unexpected issues. The purpose of this code is to prevent the browser from scrolling when the hash changes by temporarily changing the ID of the element.

Answer 5

Answer №3

Is it possible to use Javascript to dynamically modify anchor names, update window location hash, and then revert the anchor names back to their original state?

(I've verified that andynormancx's statement is accurate - setting window.location.hash does indeed scroll the view. However, I haven't tested whether creating a new anchor in the DOM and linking it to window.location.hash also triggers a scroll.)

Answer 6

Is it possible to use Javascript to dynamically modify anchor names, update window location hash, and then revert the anchor names back to their original state?

(I've verified that andynormancx's statement is accurate - setting window.location.hash does indeed scroll the view. However, I haven't tested whether creating a new anchor in the DOM and linking it to window.location.hash also triggers a scroll.)

Answer 7

Answer №4

const Library = {
  let timer, scrollPos;
}

// Click event
Library.scrollPos = window.pageYOffset || document.body.scrollTop || document.documentElement.scrollTop;
Library.timer = setInterval(function() { scrollTo(0, Library.scrollPos) }, 100);
location.hash = this.href;
clearInterval(Library.timer);

Answer 8

const Library = {
  let timer, scrollPos;
}

// Click event
Library.scrollPos = window.pageYOffset || document.body.scrollTop || document.documentElement.scrollTop;
Library.timer = setInterval(function() { scrollTo(0, Library.scrollPos) }, 100);
location.hash = this.href;
clearInterval(Library.timer);

Answer 9

Answer №5

If you're looking for a great solution, check out this resource:

To prevent the default behavior, use event listeners like 'click'

$('a').click((event) => {
    event.preventDefault();
    let hash = $(event.target).attr('href');
    history.pushState(null, null, hash);
    // This will add a hash to the URL without causing the page to jump
    // .. make sure to handle any additional actions (such as easing scroll)
});

Answer 10

If you're looking for a great solution, check out this resource:

To prevent the default behavior, use event listeners like 'click'

$('a').click((event) => {
    event.preventDefault();
    let hash = $(event.target).attr('href');
    history.pushState(null, null, hash);
    // This will add a hash to the URL without causing the page to jump
    // .. make sure to handle any additional actions (such as easing scroll)
});

Answer 11

Answer №6

Set the hash of the window location to 'tab1'.

This method could potentially be successful.

Answer 12

Set the hash of the window location to 'tab1'.

This method could potentially be successful.

How can I trigger a URL anchor without automatically scrolling to it?

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

Answer №5

Answer №6

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