Is there a way to determine if a user is actively reading a page using Javascript?

Question

Is there a way to determine if a user is actively reading a page using Javascript?

As I work on creating a webpage that utilizes AJAX polling to bring dynamic content into the view, I have come across a challenge. With the page JavaScript constantly downloading updated information and rendering it while users are engaged with other content, it is becoming quite taxing on bandwidth and processing resources.

Upon observing that many webpages tend to remain minimized or inactive in non-viewed tabs for extended periods of time, I am now seeking a way to automatically pause the scripts when the page is not actively being viewed.

The idea of implementing such a feature seems daunting, as it may involve breaking out of the confined space of the HTML DOM to interact with the user's system. This task could potentially be impossible if the JavaScript engine lacks awareness of its rendering environment. To add to the complexity, I have never encountered another website attempting this (though it would likely happen behind the scenes).

This raises an intriguing question for discussion - how can one develop a web application that is CPU-intensive but automatically pauses when not in use? Introducing a manual pause button for the user isn't a reliable solution; rather, the goal is to achieve automation in pausing activities during idle periods.

javascript ajax

Answer 1

Answer №1

To optimize your situation, consider implementing the following code snippet:

 let idleTimer;
 let isActive = true;
 function initiateTimer(){
  idleTimer = setTimeOut("terminateAjaxUpdateFunction()", 120000); //Set for 120 seconds
 }
 initiateTimer();
 document.onmouseover = function() { clearTimeout(idleTimer); 
                                     initiateTimer(); 
                                     restartAjaxUpdate();
  }; //Reset and clear the timer.
 function terminateAjaxUpdateFunction(){
  //Cease AJAX updates
  isActive = false;   
 }
 function restartAjaxUpdate(){
  if(isActive == false){
   //Restart AJAX updates
   isActive = true;
  } else {
   //Ignore as we are still active with an ongoing AJAX update.
  }    
 }

The terminateAjaxUpdateFunction is designed to halt the progression of AJAX updates.

Answer 2

To optimize your situation, consider implementing the following code snippet:

 let idleTimer;
 let isActive = true;
 function initiateTimer(){
  idleTimer = setTimeOut("terminateAjaxUpdateFunction()", 120000); //Set for 120 seconds
 }
 initiateTimer();
 document.onmouseover = function() { clearTimeout(idleTimer); 
                                     initiateTimer(); 
                                     restartAjaxUpdate();
  }; //Reset and clear the timer.
 function terminateAjaxUpdateFunction(){
  //Cease AJAX updates
  isActive = false;   
 }
 function restartAjaxUpdate(){
  if(isActive == false){
   //Restart AJAX updates
   isActive = true;
  } else {
   //Ignore as we are still active with an ongoing AJAX update.
  }    
 }

The terminateAjaxUpdateFunction is designed to halt the progression of AJAX updates.

Answer 3

Answer №2

One solution could be to implement an "inactivity timeout" that is triggered whenever a mouse or keyboard event occurs in the DOM. This mechanism resembles the way many instant messaging programs detect when a user is inactive, often by intercepting input messages at a system-wide level.

Answer 4

One solution could be to implement an "inactivity timeout" that is triggered whenever a mouse or keyboard event occurs in the DOM. This mechanism resembles the way many instant messaging programs detect when a user is inactive, often by intercepting input messages at a system-wide level.

Answer 5

Answer №3

In a previous research endeavor, I delved into that particular issue. Unfortunately, back then (approximately 2-3 years ago), I was unable to uncover a method of extracting data from the browser regarding its minimization state.

Answer 6

In a previous research endeavor, I delved into that particular issue. Unfortunately, back then (approximately 2-3 years ago), I was unable to uncover a method of extracting data from the browser regarding its minimization state.

Answer 7

Answer №4

Begin by monitoring when the window gains and loses focus.

window.onblur = function () { /* stop */ };
window.onfocus =  function () { /* start */ };

It's important to note that users may stop reading a page without losing focus (e.g. getting up from their computer). In such cases, after a period of inactivity (no mouse or keyboard events), you should assume the user's attention has shifted away from the page. Additional code for handling this scenario can be found in another response.

Answer 8

Begin by monitoring when the window gains and loses focus.

window.onblur = function () { /* stop */ };
window.onfocus =  function () { /* start */ };

It's important to note that users may stop reading a page without losing focus (e.g. getting up from their computer). In such cases, after a period of inactivity (no mouse or keyboard events), you should assume the user's attention has shifted away from the page. Additional code for handling this scenario can be found in another response.

Answer 9

Answer №5

Although an answer has already been accepted, I would personally combine a few of the solutions mentioned here for various reasons, such as:

Relying solely on mouse events might exclude users who prefer keyboard navigation.
Using blur/focus events may not account for users who take breaks.

In my approach, I would consider something along these lines as a reference:

var idleTimer, userIsIdle, pollingTimer;
document.onkeydown = document.onmousemove = resetTimer;

window.onload = function () {
    pollingTimer = window.setTimeout(runPollingFunction, 30000);
    resetTimer();

    /* Handling IE's buggy behavior with onblur/onfocus */
    if (window.navigator.appName == "Microsoft Internet Explorer")
        document.onfocusin  = resetTimer,
        document.onfocusout = setIdle;
    else
        window.onfocus = resetTimer,
        window.onblur = setIdle;
}
function resetTimer() {
    if (userIsIdle)
        setBack();

    window.clearTimeout(idleTimer);
    idleTimer = window.setTimeout(setIdle, 120000); // 2 minutes of inactivity    
}
function setIdle() {
    userIsIdle = true;
    window.clearTimeout(pollingTimer); // Clear the timer that initiates polling
    window.clearTimeout(setIdle);
}
function setBack() {
    userIsIdle = false;
    runPollingFunction(); // call the polling function to instantly update page
    pollingTimer = window.setTimeout(runPollingFunction, 300000);
}

Answer 10

Although an answer has already been accepted, I would personally combine a few of the solutions mentioned here for various reasons, such as:

Relying solely on mouse events might exclude users who prefer keyboard navigation.
Using blur/focus events may not account for users who take breaks.

In my approach, I would consider something along these lines as a reference:

var idleTimer, userIsIdle, pollingTimer;
document.onkeydown = document.onmousemove = resetTimer;

window.onload = function () {
    pollingTimer = window.setTimeout(runPollingFunction, 30000);
    resetTimer();

    /* Handling IE's buggy behavior with onblur/onfocus */
    if (window.navigator.appName == "Microsoft Internet Explorer")
        document.onfocusin  = resetTimer,
        document.onfocusout = setIdle;
    else
        window.onfocus = resetTimer,
        window.onblur = setIdle;
}
function resetTimer() {
    if (userIsIdle)
        setBack();

    window.clearTimeout(idleTimer);
    idleTimer = window.setTimeout(setIdle, 120000); // 2 minutes of inactivity    
}
function setIdle() {
    userIsIdle = true;
    window.clearTimeout(pollingTimer); // Clear the timer that initiates polling
    window.clearTimeout(setIdle);
}
function setBack() {
    userIsIdle = false;
    runPollingFunction(); // call the polling function to instantly update page
    pollingTimer = window.setTimeout(runPollingFunction, 300000);
}

Answer 11

Answer №6

To detect user activity, you can implement listeners for mouse movements and key presses. If any of these events occur within the last X seconds, proceed with updating. Otherwise, refrain from updating.

While not flawless, this approach utilizing pure JavaScript is likely your best option.

If you’re willing to explore alternatives like Flash, Silverlight, or Java, you may have access to additional browser data.

Answer 12

To detect user activity, you can implement listeners for mouse movements and key presses. If any of these events occur within the last X seconds, proceed with updating. Otherwise, refrain from updating.

While not flawless, this approach utilizing pure JavaScript is likely your best option.

If you’re willing to explore alternatives like Flash, Silverlight, or Java, you may have access to additional browser data.

Is there a way to determine if a user is actively reading a page using Javascript?

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

Answer №5

Answer №6

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