How do I make link_to open external URLs in a new window?

Question

I need to convert a rails 2.3 site so that all external URLs open in a new window. I could go though every call to link_to and add :target => \'_blank\'

Answer 1

You should not have to change your server-side code for this view problem.

You should use Unobscursive javascript. This example will only make external links showing up in a new window :

// jQuery
//
$(document).ready(function() {
  $("a").click(function() {
    link_host = this.href.split("/")[2];
    document_host = document.location.href.split("/")[2];

    if (link_host != document_host) {
      window.open(this.href);
      return false;
    }
  });
});