How to Open External Link in New or Same Tab in Flutter Web
Introduction
Flutter web is a popular framework for building web applications using the Dart programming language. When building web applications, it’s often necessary to open external links, either in the same tab or in a new tab. In this article, we’ll explore how to achieve this in Flutter web.
Understanding the Problem
When a user clicks on an external link in a Flutter web application, the default behavior is to open the link in the same tab. However, this can cause the user to leave the application, potentially resulting in lost engagement and revenue. To prevent this, developers can open external links in a new tab, allowing users to continue interacting with the application while also accessing the external link.
Opening External Links in a New Tab
To open an external link in a new tab in Flutter web, you can use the `url_launcher` package. This package provides a simple way to launch URLs in the default browser.
“`dart
import ‘package:flutter/material.dart’;
import ‘package:urllauncher/urllauncher.dart’;
class ExternalLink extends StatelessWidget {
@override
Widget build(BuildContext context) {
return ElevatedButton(
child: Text(‘Open Link’),
onPressed: () async {
final url = ‘https://www.example.com’;
if (await canLaunch(url)) {
await launch(url, forceSafariVC: false, forceWebView: false);
} else {
throw ‘Could not launch $url’;
}
},
);
}
}
“`
Opening External Links in the Same Tab
To open an external link in the same tab in Flutter web, you can use the `Navigator` widget to push a new route with the external link.
“`dart
import ‘package:flutter/material.dart’;
class ExternalLink extends StatelessWidget {
@override
Widget build(BuildContext context) {
return ElevatedButton(
child: Text(‘Open Link’),
onPressed: () {
final url = ‘https://www.example.com’;
Navigator.push(
context,
MaterialPageRoute(builder: (context) => Scaffold(body: WebView(url: url))),
);
},
);
}
}
class WebView extends StatelessWidget {
final String url;
WebView({required this.url});
@override
Widget build(BuildContext context) {
return Scaffold(
body: SafeArea(
child: WebView(
initialUrl: url,
javascriptMode: JavascriptMode.unrestricted,
),
),
);
}
}
“`
Choosing Between New and Same Tab
When deciding whether to open an external link in a new tab or the same tab, consider the user experience and the purpose of the link. If the link is essential to the application’s functionality, it may be better to open it in the same tab. However, if the link is supplementary or external, opening it in a new tab may be a better option.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored how to open external links in new or same tabs in Flutter web. By using the `url_launcher` package or the `Navigator` widget, developers can control how external links are opened, providing a better user experience and improved engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: How do I open an external link in a new tab in Flutter web?
A: You can use the `url_launcher` package to launch URLs in the default browser.
2. Q: Can I open an external link in the same tab in Flutter web?
A: Yes, you can use the `Navigator` widget to push a new route with the external link.
3. Q: What is the difference between opening an external link in a new tab and the same tab?
A: Opening an external link in a new tab allows users to continue interacting with the application, while opening it in the same tab may cause users to leave the application.
4. Q: How do I choose between opening an external link in a new tab or the same tab?
A: Consider the user experience and the purpose of the link, and choose the option that best aligns with the application’s functionality and goals.
5. Q: Are there any security considerations when opening external links in Flutter web?
A: Yes, be sure to validate and sanitize any user-input data to prevent security vulnerabilities, such as XSS attacks.
