HTML Anchor target Property: Specifying the Link Target
The target attribute of the HTML <a> (anchor) element specifies where to open the linked document. It is a crucial tool for controlling the user’s navigation experience, allowing you to dictate whether a link opens in the current tab, a new tab, an iframe, or another named window. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the target property, covering its syntax, possible values, and practical examples.
What is the target Property?
The target attribute determines the browsing context in which the linked document will be displayed. By default, links open in the same tab or window. However, using the target attribute, you can modify this behavior to enhance usability and maintain context on your webpage.
Syntax
The syntax for using the target attribute in an anchor tag is as follows:
<a href="url" target="value">Link text</a>
Possible Values
The target attribute accepts several predefined values:
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| `_self` | Opens the linked document in the same frame or tab as the current one. This is the default behavior if no `target` is specified. |
| `_blank` | Opens the linked document in a new tab or window. It’s commonly used to ensure users remain on your site while accessing external resources. |
| `_parent` | Opens the linked document in the parent frame. This is useful when the current document is within an ` |