H

Has anyone ever done anything that involved executing code when someone either closes or leaves a page? Meaning some closes a tab, clicks a link, etc...

Just curious as to how you handled it. I'm looking at using window.onunload and sending a SJAX (intentional spelling) request when someone leaves to track some analytics stuff. Only problem is I'm finding browser support various greatly to the point it's pretty much unreliable. Any suggestions?

GamingHybrid

Browser support is always a victim to use all in the world of scripting....

I'd say, as long as it works with IE and FireFox, then all should be fine. I could do some searching if needed, but generally, it doesnt have to be ajax, but just pure javascript.

Be careful with this implementation, it could cause frustration with your visitors : /

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H

I don't think you quite get what we're doing. We're sending a silent request behind the scenes when the visitor closes the page. They shouldn't have a clue it's going on unless they're watching for it through an XHR console.

I have a feeling we won't go with this route just due to lack of support. From testing, IE supports about half the closing events I could think of (eg: closing tab, typing in a new URL, etc...), Firefox supports almost all, Safari supports almost all, and Opera supported like one.

davotoula

We use onunload to terminate user session. It works well but officially we support only IE6/7 so no cross browser issues for us :-)

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David Kaspar | SH60

H

Do you know what event it traps? Like typing in a new address, tab closure, etc...?

davotoula

Just did a quick test in IE7:
Closing tab: yes
Closing browser: yes
Typing in an URL: yes
Clicking on a bookmark: yes

FireFox 2
Closing tab: yes
Closing browser: yes
Typing in an URL: yes
Clicking on a bookmark: SOMETIMES

Did not test in Safari for Windows ;-)

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David Kaspar | SH60

H

Interesting. Thanks

Ancyru

If you'd like a test on Safari on Mac OS X, then post a link & I'll be glad to do so.

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