Supporting Links and References

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 49 views

Broken Link to Non-Existent: A Critical Issue in Web Development

In the ever-evolving world of web development, accuracy and reliability are crucial. However, even the most reliable sources can sometimes fall short. In this article, we will explore a critical issue that has been reported on the Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) regarding a broken link to a non-existent browser compatibility table for the WebUSB API.

The WebUSB API is an experimental technology that allows web applications to access USB devices. As with any experimental technology, it's essential to check the browser compatibility table before using it in production. However, when users click on the link to the browser compatibility table, they are met with a 404 error. This is because the link points to a non-existent page on the MDN website.

What Went Wrong?

The issue lies in the fact that the link to the browser compatibility table is still present on the WebUSB API page, even though the table no longer exists. This can lead to confusion and frustration for developers who rely on MDN for accurate information. The warning message on the page, which advises users to check the browser compatibility table carefully before using the WebUSB API in production, is now misleading.

Expected Outcome

The expected outcome is that either the compatibility table should be added to the WebUSB API page or the link should be removed. This would ensure that users have access to accurate and reliable information, which is essential for successful web development.

Supporting Links and References

Unfortunately, there are no supporting links or references to this issue, as it was reported anonymously.

Additional Information

The MDN metadata provides valuable information about the page, including the folder, MDN URL, GitHub URL, last commit, and document last modified date. This information can be useful for developers who want to contribute to the MDN project or report issues.

The broken link to the non-existent browser compatibility table for the WebUSB API is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. By removing the link or adding the compatibility table, MDN can ensure that users have access to accurate and reliable information. This is essential for successful web development and can help to prevent confusion and frustration for developers.

To resolve this issue, we recommend the following:

Remove the link to the browser compatibility table from the WebUSB API page.
Add the compatibility table to the WebUSB API page, if possible.
Update the warning message on the page to reflect the current state of the browser compatibility table.

By following these recommendations, MDN can ensure that users have access to accurate and reliable information, which is essential for successful web development.

In the future, it's essential to ensure that links on the MDN website are accurate and up-to-date. This can be achieved by:

Regularly reviewing and updating links on the MDN website.
Implementing a system to detect and remove broken links.
Encouraging users to report broken links and provide feedback.

By following these best practices, MDN can maintain its reputation as a reliable source of information for web developers.

In conclusion, the broken link to the non-existent browser compatibility table for the WebUSB API is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. By removing the link or adding the compatibility table, MDN can ensure that users have access to accurate and reliable information. This is essential for successful web development and can help to prevent confusion and frustration for developers.
Q&A: Broken Link to Non-Existent - Frequently Asked Questions

In our previous article, we discussed the critical issue of a broken link to a non-existent browser compatibility table for the WebUSB API on the Mozilla Developer Network (MDN). In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to this issue.

Q: What is the WebUSB API?

A: The WebUSB API is an experimental technology that allows web applications to access USB devices. It provides a way for web developers to interact with USB devices, such as cameras, printers, and other peripherals.

Q: Why is the browser compatibility table important?

A: The browser compatibility table is essential for web developers to determine which browsers support the WebUSB API. This information helps developers to decide whether to use the WebUSB API in their applications and which browsers to test on.

Q: Why is the link to the browser compatibility table broken?

A: The link to the browser compatibility table is broken because the table no longer exists on the MDN website. The table was likely removed or merged with another page, but the link was not updated.

Q: What should be done to resolve this issue?

A: To resolve this issue, the link to the browser compatibility table should be removed from the WebUSB API page. Alternatively, the compatibility table should be added to the WebUSB API page, if possible.

Q: How can I report broken links on the MDN website?

A: If you encounter a broken link on the MDN website, you can report it by:

Clicking on the "Report a problem" button at the top of the page.
Filling out the report form with the necessary information, including the URL of the broken link.
Submitting the report.

Q: Can I contribute to the MDN project?

A: Yes, you can contribute to the MDN project by:

Creating an account on the MDN website.
Reviewing and updating existing content.
Creating new content, such as articles, tutorials, and examples.
Participating in discussions and providing feedback.

Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest developments on the MDN website?

A: To stay up-to-date with the latest developments on the MDN website, you can:

Follow the MDN blog for news and updates.
Subscribe to the MDN newsletter for regular updates.
Join the MDN community on social media platforms, such as Twitter and GitHub.

Q: What are the benefits of using the WebUSB API?

A: The benefits of using the WebUSB API include:

Improved user experience: By providing access to USB devices, web applications can offer a more seamless and intuitive experience.
Increased functionality: The WebUSB API enables web applications to interact with a wide range of USB devices, such as cameras, printers, and other peripherals.
Enhanced security: The WebUSB API provides a secure way for web applications to interact with USB devices, reducing the risk of security breaches.