Normalizing 'click'-like events

gistfile1.js

/**
 * Normalize 'click'-like events on different media.
 *
 * We keep track of a touch events, which start out as 'clicks',
 * but will be cancelled on (e.g.) moves.
 */

var _click,
    _clickEvent;

// We start by assuming everything is a click (until cancelled). 
_click = true;

// I use '_clickEvent' in my jQuery plugins to use as a trigger.
// When a touch has ended, we can check if it was a click or not.
_clickEvent = 'ontouchend' in document.documentElement ?
              'touchend' :
              'click';


// The start of a touch could be a 'click'.
document.addEventListener('touchstart', function() {

    _click = true;

}, false);

// The move of a touch cancels the 'click'.
document.addEventListener('touchmove', function() {

    _click = false;

}, false);

// Optional jQuery tracking for mouse-based devices.
// For IE9+ document.addEventListener can safely be used.
$(document).on('click', function() {

    _click = true;

});


// Example in JS.
document.addEventListener(_clickEvent, function() {
    
    // Do something.
    
}, false);


// Example in jQuery.
$(document).on(_clickEvent, function(event) {

  // It was indeed a 'click'.
  if (_click) {
      
    // Do something.
    
  }

});