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

In rails 3.2+, it has been added as an option, just add

= link_to 'facebook', 'http://www.facebook.com/fb-page', target: '_blank'

and it'll open the link in a new tab.