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javascriptdetectpython-idle

Is it possible to detect idle time even across tabs?


I have a script that sends a time-sensitive notification to users when there is a new question directed to them. However, I found that some people leave their computers open and go grab lunch, therefore missing notifications.

I'm looking to put together a script that detects if the user is idle for 5 minutes, and if so, it would show them as 'offline' and close down notifications.

I was curious if it is possible to detect inactivity even across tabs? (for example if a user switches to another tab to Facebook.com and stays active there, they would be seen as 'active' even though they are not on our webpage specifically).


Solution

  • Everything that happens when the user is NOT on your side is impossible to track (luckily).

    So not this is not possible (think about the security).

    UPDATE

    Now that I think of it. It is possible, however very unlikely that you can do it. If your name would have been Google you would have come a long way, because lots of websites use Google analytics. But other than that: NO not possible for reasons mentioned.