Geolocation API

Definition

An HTML5 API that allows the user to provide their geographical location to web applications.

Explain Like I'm New

It's the browser feature that pops up a prompt saying 'This website wants to know your location. Allow or Block?'. If allowed, it gives the website your precise latitude and longitude.

Real World Example

Opening Google Maps in your browser and clicking 'Find Me', or Uber's web app automatically placing the pin at your current location.

Common Use Cases

•Finding nearby stores
•Location-based weather apps
•Delivery tracking

Interactive Example

Interview Questions

basic

Can a website get your location secretly??

intermediate

What protocol is strictly required to use the Geolocation API?

Flash Cards

Question

Secretly?

Click to reveal answer

Answer

Absolutely not. The browser will always intercept the request and force the user to explicitly click 'Allow' before any data is handed to the website.

Question

Required protocol?

Click to reveal answer

Answer

HTTPS. For security reasons, modern browsers will block the Geolocation API if your website is running on standard unencrypted HTTP.