Overengineered Anchor Links
a year ago
- #user experience
- #optimization
- #web development
- Anchor links appear simple but can be complex to implement.
- Solutions include adding extra padding, shifting trigger lines, and translating trigger points.
- A fractional translation method is proposed to meet conditions like reachability and order of headings.
- A custom mapping function is suggested to minimize deviation from an ideal trigger line for better user experience.
- Optimization techniques like SLSQP are explored to balance anchor and section penalties.
- Constraints are defined to keep virtual headings within page boundaries and in order.
- A realization that fractional translation may not scale well with very long pages leads to a smarter mapping function.
- The final solution involves a smoothstep function for smooth transitions in adjustment factors based on heading positions.
- The approach is humorously acknowledged as overengineered but results in a detailed blog post.