[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #7972: External links in Trac tickets should open in a new tab

[Making WordPress.org]

#7972: External links in Trac tickets should open in a new tab
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 Reporter:  jdahir0789   |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  enhancement  |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal       |  Milestone:
Component:  Trac         |   Keywords:  needs-patch
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 When contributors include external reference links in Trac tickets (e.g.,
 links to GitHub, Stack Overflow, or WordPress.org pages), clicking them
 currently opens the link in the same browser tab. This causes contributors
 and reviewers to lose their place in the ticket they're viewing or
 editing.


 == Proposed Enhancement:
 Update the behavior so that any external links included in ticket
 descriptions or comments open in a new browser tab (target="_blank"). This
 improves workflow and preserves context, especially for contributors
 navigating between multiple resources.


 == Benefits:
 - Improved usability for contributors and reviewers
 - Prevents accidental navigation away from Trac
 - Aligns with modern UX practices


 == Steps to Reproduce:
 1. Go to any existing Trac ticket (e.g.,
 https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/5190)
 2. Click on an external link in the ticket description or comments
 3. The link opens in the same tab, navigating away from the ticket


 == Suggested Solution:
 - Use JavaScript or modify the HTML rendering layer to detect external
 links and apply target="_blank"

-- 
Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/7972>
Making WordPress.org <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/>
Making WordPress.org