js detect mouse support

JavaScript - Detect Mouse Support

As a front-end developer, it is important to know whether the user's device supports mouse or not. You can use JavaScript to detect mouse support on a device.

Method 1: Checking for Mouse Event Listeners

The first method to detect mouse support is to check if the device supports mouse event listeners. Mouse events include click, mouseover, mousemove, and mouseout events. If the browser supports these events, it means that the device has a mouse.


if ('onmousemove' in document) {
  // device has a mouse
} else {
  // device does not have a mouse
}

Method 2: Checking for Pointer Events

The second method to detect mouse support is to check if the device supports pointer events. Pointer events include pointerdown, pointerup, and pointermove events. These events are not exclusive to mice, but they are supported by most devices that have a mouse.


if (window.PointerEvent) {
  // device has a mouse
} else {
  // device does not have a mouse
}

Method 3: Checking for Touch Events

The third method to detect mouse support is to check if the device supports touch events. If touch events are supported, it means that the device does not have a mouse.


if ('ontouchstart' in document.documentElement) {
  // device does not have a mouse
} else {
  // device has a mouse
}

These are some of the ways you can use JavaScript to detect mouse support on a device. Knowing whether the user has a mouse or not can help you create better user experiences for your website or application.

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