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In this lesson, we'll cover how to add a `<form>` element populated with various elements that accept input on a web page. 

HTML Forms

Checkboxes work well if we want to present users with multiple options and let them choose one or more of the options. However, there are cases where we want to present multiple options and only allow for one selection &mdash; like asking users if they agree or disagree with the terms and conditions. Let's look over the code used to create radio buttons: 

```html
<form>
  <p>What is sum of 1 + 1?</p>
  <input type="radio" id="two" name="answer" value="2">
  <label for="two">2</label>
  <br>
  <input type="radio" id="eleven" name="answer" value="11">
  <label for="eleven">11</label>
</form>
```
Which renders:

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/radioInput%20-%20labeled.png" alt="rendered form containing radio buttons"  style="border: 1px solid black">

Notice from the code snippet, radio buttons (like checkboxes) do not display their value. We have an associated `<label>` to represent the value of the radio button. To group radio buttons together, we assign them the same `name` and only one radio button from that group can be selected. 

Let's see this in action by creating our own radio buttons. 


Radio Button Input

If we want to create an input field in our `<form>`, we'll need the help of the [`<input>`](https://www.codecademy.com/resources/docs/html/elements/input?page_ref=catalog) element. 

The `<input>` element has a `type` attribute which determines how it renders on the web page and what kind of data it can accept.

The first value for the `type` attribute we're going to explore is `"text"`. When we create an `<input>` element with `type="text"`, it renders a text field that users can type into. Note that the default value of `type` is `"text"`. It's also important that we include a `name` attribute for the `<input>` &mdash; without the `name` attribute, information in the `<input>` won't be sent when the `<form>` is submitted. We'll explain more about submissions and the submit button in a later exercise. For now, let's examine the following code that produces a text input field: 

```html
<form action="/example.html" method="POST">
  <input type="text" name="first-text-field">
</form>
```
Here's a screen shot of how the rendered form looks like on a web page for the Chrome browser (different browsers have different default rendering). When initially loaded, it will be an empty box:
 
<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/textInput%20-%20unlabeled%20blank.png" alt="rendered empty text field from input element type='text'" style="border: 1px solid black">

After users type into the `<input>` element, the value of the `value` attribute becomes what is typed into the text field. The value of the `value` attribute is paired with the value of the `name` attribute and sent as text when the form is submitted. For instance, if a user typed in "important details" in the text field created by our `<input>` element:

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/textInput%20-%20unlabeled%20filled.png" alt="rendered filled text field which reads 'important details' " style="border: 1px solid black">

When the form is submitted, the text: `"first-text-field=important details"` is sent to `/example.html` because the value of the `name` attribute is `"first-text-field"` and the value of `value` is `"important details"`. 

We could also assign a default value for the `value` attribute so that users have a pre-filled text field when they first see the rendered form like so:

```html
<form action="/example.html" method="POST">
  <input type="text" name="first-text-field" value="already pre-filled">
</form>
```
Which renders: 

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/textInput%20-%20unlabeled%20prefilled.png" alt="pre-filled text box due to assigned `value` attribute" style="border: 1px solid black">

Time to put this knowledge into practice! 


Text Input

We can think of the internet as a network of computers which send and receive information. Computers need an _HTTP request_ to know how to communicate. The HTTP request instructs the receiving computer how to handle the incoming information. More information can be found in our article about <a href="https://www.codecademy.com/articles/http-requests" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HTTP requests</a>.

The [`<form>`](https://www.codecademy.com/resources/docs/html/forms?page_ref=catalog) element is a great tool for collecting information, but then we need to send that information somewhere else for processing. We need to supply the `<form>` element with both the location of where the `<form>`'s information goes and what HTTP request to make. Take a look at the sample `<form>` below: 
 
```html
<form action="/example.html" method="POST">
</form>
```

In the above example, we've created the skeleton for a `<form>` that will send information to **example.html** as a POST request:

- The `action` attribute determines where the information is sent.
- The `method` attribute is assigned a HTTP verb that is included in the HTTP request. 

Note: HTTP verbs like POST do not need to be capitalized for the request to work, but it's done so out of convention. In the example above we could have written `method="post"` and it would still work.

The `<form>` element can also contain child elements. For instance, it would be helpful to provide a header so that users know what this `<form>` is about. We could also add a paragraph to provide even more detail. Let's see an example of this in code:

```html
<form action="/example.html" method="POST">
  <h1>Creating a form</h1>
  <p>Looks like you want to learn how to create an HTML form. Well, the best way to learn is to play around with it.</p>
</form>
```
The example above doesn't collect any user input, but we'll do that in the next exercise. For now, let's practice making the foundation of an HTML `<form>`! 


How a Form Works

Radio buttons are great if we want our users to pick one option out of a few visible options, but imagine if we have a whole list of options! This situation could quickly lead to a lot of radio buttons to keep track of. 

An alternative solution is to use a dropdown list to allow our users to choose one option from an organized list. Here's the code to create a dropdown menu:

```html
<form>
  <label for="lunch">What's for lunch?</label>
  <select id="lunch" name="lunch">
    <option value="pizza">Pizza</option>
    <option value="curry">Curry</option>
    <option value="salad">Salad</option>
    <option value="ramen">Ramen</option>
    <option value="tacos">Tacos</option>
  </select>
</form>
```
Which renders: 
<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/dropdown%20list%20-%20concealed.png" alt="rendered dropdown list with the first option showing" style="border: 1px solid black">

And if we click on the field containing the first option, the list is revealed:
<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/dropdown%20list%20-%20revealed.png" alt="rendered dropdown list with the all options showing" style="border: 1px solid black">

Notice in the code that we're using the element `<select>` to create the dropdown list. To populate the dropdown list, we add multiple `<option>` elements, each with a `value` attribute. By default, only one of these options can be selected. 

The text rendered is the text included between the opening and closing `<option>` tags. However, it is the value of the `value` attribute that is used in `<form>` submission (notice the difference in the text and `value` capitalization). When the `<form>` is submitted, the information from this input field will be sent using the `name` of the `<select>` and the `value` of the chosen `<option>`. For instance, if a user selected Pizza from the dropdown list, the information would be sent as `"lunch=pizza"`. 



Dropdown list

An `<input>` element with `type="text"` creates a single row input field for users to type in information. However, there are cases where users need to write in more information, like a blog post. In such cases, instead of using an `<input>`, we could use `<textarea>`. 

The `<textarea>` element is used to create a bigger text field for users to write more text. We can add the attributes `rows` and `cols` to determine the amount of rows and columns for the `<textarea>`. Take a look:

```html
<form>
  <label for="blog">New Blog Post: </label>
  <br>
  <textarea id="blog" name="blog" rows="5" cols="30">
  </textarea>
</form>
```

In the code above, an empty `<textarea>` that is 5 rows by 30 columns is rendered to the page like so:

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/textarea%20-%20blank.png" alt="rendered empty textarea element" style="border: 1px solid black">

If we wanted an even bigger text field, we could click and drag on the bottom right corner to expand it.

When we submit the form, the value of `<textarea>` is the text written inside the box. If we want to add a default value to `<textarea>` we would include it within the opening and closing tags like so:

```html
<textarea>Adding default text</textarea>
```
This code will render a `<textarea>` that contains pre-filled text: "Adding default text".

But don't just take our word for it, let's test it out! 
 

Textarea element

Using an `<input type="number">`  is great if we want to allow users to type in any number of their choosing. But, if we wanted to limit what numbers our users could type we might consider using a different `type` value. Another option we could use is setting `type` to `"range"` which creates a slider. 

To set the minimum and maximum values of the slider we assign values to the `min` and `max` attribute of the `<input>`. We could also control how smooth and fluid the slider works by assigning the `step` attribute a value. Smaller `step` values will make the slider move more fluidly, whereas larger `step` values will make the slider move more noticeably. Take a look at the code to create a slider:

```html
<form>
  <label for="volume"> Volume Control</label>
  <input id="volume" name="volume" type="range" min="0" max="100" step="1">
</form>
```
The code above renders:
<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/rangeInput%20-%20labeled.png" alt="rendered slider for volume control" style="border: 1px solid black">

In the example above, every time the slider moves by one, the value of the `<input>`'s `value` attribute changes.

Range Input

Remember, the purpose of a form is to collect information that will be submitted. That's the role of the submit button &mdash; users click on it when they are finished with filling out information in the `<form>` and they're ready to send it off.  Now that we've gone over how to create various input elements, let's now go over how to create a submit button! 

To make a submit button in a `<form>`, we're going to use the reliable `<input>` element and set the `type` to `"submit"`. For instance:

```html
<form>
  <input type="submit" value="Send">
</form>
```
Which renders:

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/submit%20button2.png" alt="rendered submit button" style="border: 1px solid black"> 

Notice in the code snippet that the `value` assigned to the `<input>` shows up as text on the submit button. If there isn't a `value` attribute, the default text, `Submit` shows up on the button.

Let's now add this element to make our `<form>`s complete! 
 

Submit Form

Nice work interacting with the extremely common and useful `<form>` element! 

In this lesson we went over:

* The purpose of a `<form>` is to allow users to input information and send it.
* The `<form>`'s `action` attribute determines where the form's information goes.
* The `<form>`'s `method` attribute determines how the information is sent and processed.
* To add fields for users to input information we use the `<input>` element and set the `type` attribute to a field of our choosing:
   * Setting `type` to `"text"` creates a single row field for text input.
   * Setting `type` to `"password"` creates a single row field that censors text input.
   * Setting `type` to `"number"` creates a single row field for number input.
   * Setting `type` to `"range"` creates a slider to select from a range of numbers. 
   * Setting `type` to `"checkbox"` creates a single checkbox that can be paired with other checkboxes.
   * Setting `type` to `"radio"` creates a radio button that can be paired with other radio buttons.
   * Setting `type` to `"text"` and adding the `list` attribute will pair the `<input>` with a `<datalist>` element if the `list` of `<input>` and the `id` of `<datalist>` are the same.
   * Setting `type` to `"submit"` creates a submit button.
* A `<select>` element is populated with `<option>` elements and renders a dropdown list selection.
* A `<datalist>` element is populated with `<option>` elements and works with an `<input>` to search through choices.
* A `<textarea>` element is a text input field that has a customizable area.
* When a `<form>` is submitted, the `name` of the fields that accept input and the `value` of those fields are sent as `name=value` pairs. 

Using the `<form>` element in conjunction with the other elements listed above allows us to create sites that take into consideration the wants and needs of our users. Take the opportunity to take what you've learned, and apply it!

Review

Forms are a part of everyday life. When we use a physical form in real life, we write down information and give it to someone to process. Think of the times you've had to fill out information for various applications like a job, or a bank account, or dropped off a completed suggestion card &mdash; each instance is a form! 

Just like a physical form, an HTML `<form>` element is responsible for collecting information to send somewhere else. Every time we browse the internet we come into contact with many forms and we might not even realize it. There's a good chance that if you're typing into a text field or providing an input, the field that you're typing into is part of a `<form>`! 

In this lesson, we'll go over the structure and syntax of a `<form>` and the many elements that populate it. 
 

Image of a website called 'Goooble' that resembles Google search engine. There is a search form and the text inside says, "Is this search bar a form?"

Introduction to HTML Forms

We've now gone over two `type` attributes for `<input>` related to text. But, we might want our users to type in a number &mdash; in which case we can set the `type` attribute to… (you guessed it)... `"number"`! 

By setting `type="number"` for an `<input>` we can restrict what users type into the input field to just numbers (and a few special characters like `-`, `+`, and `.`). We can also provide a `step` attribute which creates arrows inside the input field to increase or decrease by the value of the `step` attribute. Below is the code needed to render an input field for numbers: 

```html
<form>
  <label for="years"> Years of experience: </label>
  <input id="years" name="years" type="number" step="1">
</form>
```

Which renders:

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/numInput%20-%20labeled%20blank%20steps.png" alt="rendered number input field with arrows to the right hand side of the field" width="100%" style="border: 1px solid black">

Now it's time to apply this knowledge. 

Number Input

Think about all those times we have to put sensitive information, like a password or PIN,  into a `<form>`. We wouldn't want our information to be seen by anyone peeking over our shoulder! Luckily, we have the `type="password"` attribute for `<input>`!

An `<input type ="password">` element will replace input text with another character like an asterisk (*) or a dot (•). The code below provides an example of how to create a password field:

```html
<form>
  <label for="user-password">Password: </label>
  <input type="password" id="user-password" name="user-password">
</form>
```
After a user types into the field, it would look like:

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/pwInput%20-%20labeled%20filled.png" alt="password field in a form with 6 dots showing text added to the field" style="border: 1px solid black"> 

Even though the password field obscures the text of the password, when the form is submitted, the value of the text is sent. In other words, if "hunter2" is typed into the password field, "user-password=hunter2" is sent along with the other information on the form. 

 

Password Input

Even if we have an organized dropdown list, if the list has a lot of options, it could be tedious for users to scroll through the entire list to locate one option. That's where using the `<datalist>` element comes in handy. 

The `<datalist>` is used with an `<input type="text">` element. The `<input>` creates a text field that users can type into and filter options from the `<datalist>`. Let's go over a concrete example: 

```html
<form>
  <label for="city">Ideal city to visit?</label>
  <input type="text" list="cities" id="city" name="city">

  <datalist id="cities">
    <option value="New York City"></option>
    <option value="Tokyo"></option>
    <option value="Barcelona"></option>
    <option value="Mexico City"></option>
    <option value="Melbourne"></option>
    <option value="Other"></option>  
  </datalist>
</form>
```
Notice, in the code above, we have an `<input>` that has a `list` attribute. The `<input>` is associated to the `<datalist>` via the `<input>`'s `list` attribute and the `id` of the `<datalist>`. 

From the code provided, the following form is rendered:
<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/datalist%20-%20concealed.png" alt="input field with a label 'Ideal city to visit?'" style="border: 1px solid black">

And when field is selected: 
<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/datalist%20-%20revealed.png" alt="clicking on the input field reveals a dropdown 
list" style="border: 1px solid black">

While `<select>` and `<datalist>` share some similarities, there are some major differences. In the associated `<input>` element, users can type in the input field to search for a particular option. If none of the `<option>`s match, the user can still use what they typed in. When the form is submitted, the value of the `<input>`'s `name` and the `value` of the option selected, or what the user typed in, is sent as a pair.  

Now it's time to make a `<datalist>` of our own! 
 

Datalist Input

In the previous exercise we created an `<input>` element but we didn't include anything to explain what the `<input>` is used for. For a user to properly identify an `<input>` we use the appropriately named `<label>` element. 

The `<label>` element has an opening and closing tag and displays text that is written between the opening and closing tags. To associate a `<label>` and an `<input>`, the `<input>` needs an `id` attribute. We then assign the `for` attribute of the `<label>` element with the value of the `id` attribute of `<input>`, like so: 

```html
<form action="/example.html" method="POST">
  <label for="meal">What do you want to eat?</label>
  <br>
  <input type="text" name="food" id="meal">
</form>
```
The code above renders: 

<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/label%20-%20text%20input.png" alt="rendered form with labeled text field" style="border: 1px solid black">

Look, now users know what the `<input>` element is for! Another benefit for using the `<label>` element is when this element is clicked, the corresponding `<input>` is highlighted/selected. 

Let's see the `<label>` element in action! 
 

Adding a Label

So far the types of inputs we've allowed were all single choices. But, what if we presented multiple options to users and allowed them to select any number of options? Sounds like we could use checkboxes! In a `<form>` we would use the `<input>` element and set `type="checkbox"`. Examine the code used to create multiple checkboxes:

```html
<form>
  <p>Choose your pizza toppings:</p>
  <label for="cheese">Extra cheese</label>
  <input id="cheese" name="topping" type="checkbox" value="cheese">
  <br>
  <label for="pepperoni">Pepperoni</label>
  <input id="pepperoni" name="topping" type="checkbox" value="pepperoni">
  <br>
  <label for="anchovy">Anchovy</label>
  <input id="anchovy" name="topping" type="checkbox" value="anchovy">
</form>
```
Which renders:
<img src="https://content.codecademy.com/courses/learn-html-forms/checkboxInput%20-%20labeled.png" alt="HTML form asking user to select pizza toppings and three topping selections as checkboxes" style="border: 1px solid black">

Notice in the example provided: 
* there are assigned values to the `value` attribute of the checkboxes. These values are not visible on the form itself, that's why it is important that we use an associated `<label>` to identify the checkbox. 
* each `<input>` has the same value for the `name` attribute. Using the same `name` for each checkbox groups the `<input>`s together. However, each `<input>` has a unique `id` to pair with a `<label>`. 

Alright, time to use checkboxes in our code! 
 