$(document).ready(function() { var editor = CodeMirror.fromTextArea(document.getElementById("id_content"), { mode: 'mitx_markdown', matchBrackets: true, theme: "default", lineWrapping: true, }); //Store the inital contents so we can compare for unsaved changes var initial_contents = editor.getValue(); window.onbeforeunload = function askConfirm() { //Warn the user before they navigate away if ( editor.getValue() != initial_contents ) { return "You have made changes to the article that have not been saved yet."; } }; $(".btn-primary").click(function() { initial_contents = editor.getValue(); }); });