GitHub's New UX Change: Issue Links Now Open in Popups

GitHub's latest UX update has stirred the developer community by changing how issue links open, now appearing in popups instead of new tabs.

![GitHub interface showing issue link popup]( "GitHub's new issue link popup feature")

The story

GitHub has implemented a new user experience change that affects how issue links are opened. Instead of opening in a new tab, issue links now appear in a popup window. This change, detailed in a GitHub discussion, has sparked significant conversation among developers, with many expressing frustration over the disruption to their workflow.

The change aims to streamline navigation but has been met with mixed reactions, as seen in the Hacker News thread where developers voiced concerns about the impact on productivity.

Why it matters

This UX change is significant because it alters a fundamental aspect of how developers interact with GitHub. Many developers rely on opening multiple tabs to compare issues or track progress across different projects. The new popup approach could hinder this workflow, leading to decreased efficiency.

"The popup disrupts my workflow, making it harder to manage multiple issues simultaneously," one developer commented in the GitHub discussion.

The change highlights the delicate balance between innovation and user preference, especially in a tool as widely used as GitHub.

What changed

The key change is the introduction of popups for issue links, replacing the traditional method of opening links in new tabs. This update was intended to create a more seamless user experience by keeping users on the same page. However, it has raised several concerns:

• Workflow disruption: Developers accustomed to multitasking with multiple tabs find the popup method less efficient.
• Usability concerns: Some users report that the popups are less intuitive and harder to navigate.
• Community feedback: The change has prompted a wave of feedback, with many requesting the option to revert to the old behavior.

GitHub has yet to respond to the feedback, leaving the community eager for further updates or potential rollbacks.

What to watch next

Developers are closely watching GitHub's response to the feedback. Will GitHub offer an option to toggle between popups and new tabs? The community's reaction could influence future UX decisions on the platform.

Sources

• GitHub unwanted UX change: issue links now open in a popup