HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

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<FORM> Element

Category: Forms
Period: HTML 2.0 Level 2
Status: core

Description

Begins an input form that submits values to a server.

Syntax

<FORM ACTION="/cgi-bin/search" METHOD="GET">
...controls...
</FORM>

Attributes

ACTION, METHOD, ENCTYPE.

Usage Guidelines

• HTML Level 2 includes forms; Level 1 excludes them.
• Use GET for simple searches and POST for changes or longer submissions.
• Every useful form needs a server-side script at ACTION.
• Group related controls with plain headings and paragraphs; FIELDSET did not exist in HTML 2.0.

Common Mistakes

• No client-side validation in strict HTML 2.0.
• File upload belongs to a later extension, not base HTML 2.0.

Example Code

<FORM ACTION="/cgi-bin/guestbook" METHOD="POST">
<P>Your name: <INPUT NAME="name">
<P><INPUT TYPE="submit" VALUE="Sign Guestbook">
</FORM>

Authoring Note

Write the document first, then test it in a graphical browser and a text browser. The page should remain understandable if images fail, colours are ignored, or the browser uses its own fonts.

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