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Implement Onclick in JavaScript and allow web browser to go back to previous page?

Javascript Web Development Object Oriented Programming

JavaScript provides several methods to implement browser navigation functionality. The most common approach is using window.history.go(-1) with an onclick event to go back to the previous page.

Syntax

window.history.go(-1);    // Go back one page
window.history.back();    // Alternative method

Using window.history.go(-1)

The window.history.go(-1) method navigates back one page in the browser history:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Go Back Example</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Current Page</h1>
    <button onclick="window.history.go(-1)">
        Go Back to Previous Page
    </button>
</body>
</html>

Using window.history.back()

The window.history.back() method is an alternative that provides the same functionality:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Go Back Alternative</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Current Page</h1>
    <button onclick="window.history.back()">
        Back
    </button>
</body>
</html>

Using a Separate Function

For better code organization, you can create a separate function:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Go Back with Function</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Current Page</h1>
    <button onclick="goBack()">
        Go Back
    </button>

    <script>
        function goBack() {
            window.history.go(-1);
        }
    </script>
</body>
</html>

Comparison

Method	Description	Usage
`window.history.go(-1)`	Navigate back one page	More explicit
`window.history.back()`	Navigate back one page	Shorter syntax

Key Points

Both methods work identically for going back one page
The browser must have a previous page in history for these methods to work
These methods only work in browser environments, not in Node.js
Use return false; if you want to prevent form submission

Conclusion

Use window.history.go(-1) or window.history.back() to implement back navigation. Both methods are reliable for creating back buttons in web applications.

AmitDiwan

Updated on: 2026-03-15T23:18:59+05:30

499 Views

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