Using $location.path() vs $window.location.href

Both $location.path() and $window.location.href are used for navigation in AngularJS, but they work differently:

• $location.path(): AngularJS-friendly, updates the route without reloading the page.
• $window.location.href: Reloads the page and is independent of Angular’s routing system.

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1️⃣ $location.path() – Angular-Friendly Routing

The $location service in AngularJS is designed to update the URL without refreshing the page.

Example: Navigating to Another Route

app.controller('MyCtrl', function($scope, $location) {
    $scope.goToDashboard = function() {
        $location.path('/dashboard'); // Changes route without page reload
    };
});

Use Case: When navigating within an AngularJS single-page application (SPA).

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2️⃣ $window.location.href – Full Page Reload

$window.location.href completely reloads the page, bypassing AngularJS’s routing system.

Example: Navigating and Reloading

app.controller('MyCtrl', function($scope, $window) {
    $scope.redirectToDashboard = function() {
        $window.location.href = '/dashboard'; // Full page reload
    };
});

Use Case:

• When redirecting to an external site.
• When a hard refresh is needed for security reasons.

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3️⃣ Key Differences Between $location.path() and $window.location.href

Feature	$location.path()	$window.location.href
Page Reload	No	Yes
Works with AngularJS Routing?	Yes	No
Preserves App State?	Yes	No (refresh resets state)
Used for External Links?	No	Yes
SEO Impact	Keeps SPA structure	Full refresh, affects analytics

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4️⃣ When to Use What?

Scenario	Use $location.path()	Use $window.location.href
Navigating within an AngularJS SPA	✅	❌
Navigating to an external site	❌	✅
Changing routes without reload	✅	❌
Reloading the entire page	❌	✅
Redirecting after login/logout	✅ (if staying in SPA)	✅ (if full reset needed)