HTML Forms
Forms are one of the most powerful tools in HTML, allowing users to input data and interact with websites. From simple login screens to complex surveys, forms are essential. Let's dive into the basics of creating forms in HTML.
1. The <form> Element
The <form> tag is the container for all form elements. It defines where and how the data will be sent. Here's a basic structure:
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<form action="submit.php" method="post">
<!-- Form elements go here -->
</form>
- action: Specifies where the form data will be sent (e.g., a server script).
- method: Defines how data is sent (GET for appending to the URL, POST for secure submission).
2. Common Form Elements
Here are some commonly used input elements:
Text Input
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<label for="name">Name:</label>
<input type="text" id="name" name="name" placeholder="Enter your name">
- type="text": Creates a single-line text box.
- placeholder: Displays a hint inside the input box.
Password Input
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<label for="password">Password:</label>
<input type="password" id="password" name="password">
Hides the text as dots or asterisks.
Radio Buttons
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<label>
<input type="radio" name="gender" value="male"> Male
</label>
<label>
<input type="radio" name="gender" value="female"> Female
</label>
Checkboxes
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<label>
<input type="checkbox" name="subscribe" value="newsletter"> Subscribe to newsletter
</label>
Dropdown (Select)
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<label for="country">Country:</label>
<select id="country" name="country">
<option value="usa">USA</option>
<option value="canada">Canada</option>
<option value="uk">UK</option>
</select>
Submit Button
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<input type="submit" value="Submit">
Example
Here's a simple form in action:
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<form action="/submit" method="post">
<label for="username">Username:</label>
<input type="text" id="username" name="username" placeholder="Enter your username">
<label for="email">Email:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email" placeholder="Enter your email">
<label>
<input type="checkbox" name="terms"> I agree to the terms and conditions
</label>
<input type="submit" value="Sign Up">
</form>
Forms are very essential for collecting and processing user data.