HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

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<INPUT> Element

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

Description

Creates a single form input control.

Syntax

<INPUT TYPE="text" NAME="q" VALUE="">

Attributes

TYPE, NAME, VALUE, CHECKED, SIZE, MAXLENGTH, SRC, ALIGN.

Usage Guidelines

• Always give submitted controls a NAME.
• Use TYPE=text for simple entry, password for hidden characters, checkbox/radio for choices, submit/reset for buttons, hidden for stored values.
• For radio groups, use the same NAME and different VALUE attributes.
• Use SIZE and MAXLENGTH to guide browsers, not as security.

Common Mistakes

• The browser does not enforce meaning; the server must check submitted values.
• Do not use reset buttons unless they truly help.

Example Code

<P>Search: <INPUT TYPE="text" NAME="q" SIZE="30">
<INPUT TYPE="submit" VALUE="Go">

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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