Javascript change url parameter before putting it in history

Question

I'm using the datatables JQuery plugin. I use it with AJAX and pagination (server-side). Each row contains a link to a detailed view of that record. When clicking in that link and then on the back button I want to return to the previous page. (Note: datatables own state-saving can't be used).

This could be achieved If you could add a url parameter to the current url before it is put into the history.

Can this be done? pure JS or JQuery does not really matter.

(Note: I'm quite new do this kind of stuff, have read about using the # for this but never done it so if you recommend that please provide an example applicable to my problem)

EDIT:

Very basic Guide for JQuery plugin bbq (http://benalman.com/projects/jquery-bbq-plugin/)

Assuming URL has a hash of #a=2&b=test, you can get the values by:

//true = optional converts 2 to an integer, false to boolean,...
var a = $.bbq.getState('a',true);

You can change/add a value by:

var hash = "a=3&b=hello";
$.bbq.pushState(hash);

pushState fires hashchange Event in case it is bound. To bind the event but following in doucment.ready function:

// called when # part of URL is modified
$(window).bind( 'hashchange', function( event ) {
    var hash = event.fragment; // full hash as string
    var a = event.getState('a', true ); // value for a
    // here do meaningful action like an AJAX request using the hash parameters    
});

Answer 1

Yes, the HTML5 History API allows you to do just that. Check out the Manipulating the Browser History article at MDN.

Here is an example that adds a parameter to the current URL and replaces the current history entry:

 var newURL = location.href + (location.search ? "&" : "?") + "myParameter=myValue";
 history.replaceState({}, '', newURL);

The History API is an HTML5 feature and unfortunately not supported on all browsers. However, there is a polyfill named history.js, which claims to bring support to all browsers.

UPDATE:

Instead of rolling your own AJAX history implementation you would probably want to look at existing solutions and jQuery plugins. Have a look e.g. at the answers to the What is the best back button jQuery plugin? question.