ArticleZip > Allowing A Child Iframe To Call A Function On Its Parent Window From A Different Domain

Allowing A Child Iframe To Call A Function On Its Parent Window From A Different Domain

Is your child iframe trying to call a function on its parent window, but you're facing issues because they are from different domains? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Let's dive into how you can enable a child iframe to call a function on its parent window, even if they are from different domains.

One common way to achieve this is by utilizing the postMessage method available in JavaScript. This method allows windows to communicate with each other, even if they are from different domains. Here's how you can make it work for your child iframe:

1. Setting up the Parent Window Function:
- In the parent window, you need to create a function that the child iframe will call. For example, let's name it `parentFunction`.

Javascript

function parentFunction(message) {
    console.log("Message received from child iframe: " + message);
}

2. Implementing postMessage in Child Iframe:
- Inside the child iframe document, you can use the postMessage method to send a message to the parent window.

Javascript

// Assuming parent window origin is 'https://parentdomain.com'
window.parent.postMessage("Hello Parent!", "https://parentdomain.com");

3. Handling Message in Parent Window:
- In the parent window, you need to listen for messages from the child iframe and call the desired function accordingly.

Javascript

window.addEventListener("message", function(event) {
    if (event.origin !== "https://childdomain.com") return; // Verify the message origin
    if (typeof event.data === "string") {
        parentFunction(event.data);
    }
}, false);

4. Security Considerations:
- Remember to validate the origin of messages both in the parent and child windows to prevent unauthorized access.
- Always sanitize and validate the data received from the child iframe to avoid security vulnerabilities.

By following these steps, you can securely enable your child iframe to call a function on its parent window, even if they are from different domains. This method provides a safe and reliable way for cross-origin communication between windows.

In conclusion, leveraging the postMessage method in JavaScript allows seamless communication between child iframes and their parent windows across different domains. Remember to implement security measures to safeguard your application from potential threats. Happy coding!

And there you have it! You're now equipped with the knowledge to tackle cross-domain communication between child iframes and parent windows.