There are many HTML Input Attributes we should be aware of for a good form creation. So, let’s take a quick look at all those attributes one by one.
Attribute 1: value
The value attribute displays the value for the input field. In above example, the browser will display ‘John’ in the text box as a Name and then user can change it as per their name.
What if you don’t want user to make any change into the input field?
Then there is one more attribute.
Attribute 2: readonly
The readonly attribute displays the value (if the value is specified) but doesn’t let user change the value.
Attribute 3: disabled
The disabled attribute displays the input element as disabled. You can use it with buttons but the user won’t be able to click on the button or send any values. The button will become unclickable and the form won’t get submitted in that case.
Attribute 4: size
The size attribute will specifies the size of the input element in the number of characters. User will be able to enter more characters but the size of the input box will be as per the size specified in the input field.
I know, you’re like what’s the point of size attribute if it’s just used to set the size? What if I want to restrict the number of characters user enters?
Attribute 5: maxlength
That’s your answer. maxlength attribute is useful to restrict the user so that user can’t enter more than certain number of characters, for e.g. if you want user to enter 6 digit or 8 characters password only then you can surely set the limit using this attribute.
Attribute 6: autofocus
If you’ve added this autofocus attribute then that textbox will get focus automatically when the page loads.
Attributes 7 and 8: min and max
As you have guessed it, min and max attributes are used to set minimum and maximum input values for that element.
Attribute 9: multiple
The multiple attribute will allow user to submit multiple input values whether it’s text, email or file.
Attribute 10: placeholder
The placeholder attribute works like a hint. It tells user what he is expected to enter. It shows the text in grey fonts and immediately removes it as soon as the user clicks on the input field.
Attribute 11: required
As the name suggest, it forces user to enter the value for the input element. It’s really useful when you’re making a login page and the user is required to enter userid and password both to login. Rather than using JavaScript to perform that check, use this simple attribute.
