When your site needs a link to iterate backwards through records we recommend that you use "< Back" instead of "< Previous".
There are a few reasons for this:
- This is the standard used in Microsoft Installation files. MSIs are the most widely used installation package available today.
- Internet Explorer and several other lesser known browsers use a Back button to iterate back through webpages, so your visitors will automatically know what your "< Back" link does.
- It is important to keep a consistency on your pages.
Below is an example of a Good "< Back" link versus some Bad variations.
- Figure: A Good example of a "< Back" link
- Figure: This is Bad because it says "Previous" instead of "Back"
- Figure: This is bad because it has too many "<"s or it has no space between the "<" and the "Back"
We have a program called SSW Code Auditor to check for this rule.
We have a program called SSW Link Auditor to check for this rule. We offer a rule sample page for demo scan.