Form Element-tutorial
HTML forms are essential tools for collecting user input on web pages whether it is login details, feedback, or survey responses. Below is a guide to the most commonly used HTML form elements, explained in a simple and visual-friendly manner.
<form> - The Main Container
The <form> element is the main wrapper that holds all form inputs.
Attributes:
- action: The URL where form data will be sent.
- method: The HTTP method to use (GET or POST).
Syntax:
<form action="/submit_form" method="post"> <!-- Form elements go here --></form><input> - User Input Fields
The <input> tag is use for single-line inputs.
The <input> tag is use for single-line inputs.
Common Types:
- text: For text input
- password: For hidden password input
- checkbox, radio: For multiple choice inputs
- submit: For sending form data
Example:
<input type="text" name="username" placeholder="Enter your name"><textarea> - Multiline Input
Use <textarea> for longer text entries like messages or comments.
Example:
<textarea name="message" rows="4" cols="30" placeholder="Write your message..."></textarea><label> - Labeling Fields
The <label> tag makes forms accessible by linking text with form controls.
Example:
<label for="email">Email:</label><input type="email" id="email" name="email"><select> and <option> - Dropdown Menus
Use <select> to create a dropdown. Each choice is defined using an <option> tag.
Example:
<select name="fruit"> <option value="apple">Apple</option> <option value="banana">Banana</option></select><button> - Clickable Button
A button to submit, rest, or trigger JavaScript.
Example:
<button type="submit">Submit</button>Reference Table
| Tag | Description |
|---|---|
| <form> | Defines the form container for input fields |
| <input> | Single-line input field for various data types |
| <textarea> | Multiline text input field |
| <label> | Associates labels with form fields |
| <fieldset> | Groups related form fields together |
| <legend> | Title for the grouped fields inside a <fieldset> |
| <select> | Dropdown list |
| <option> | Defines an option within <select> |
| <optgroup> | Groups related options inside <select> |
| <button> | Clickable button (e.g. Submit or Reset) |
| <datalist> | Suggests a list of values for <input> |
| <output> | Displays the result of a calculation or user action |