HTML reference

form

The <form> element groups controls that collect user input and submits their values to a server or another handler.

What you will learn

How a form sends submitted values
What action and method do
How to label fields and choose their name

Basic example

<form action="/search" method="get">
  <label for="query">Search</label>
  <input id="query" name="q" type="search">
  <button type="submit">Search</button>
</form>

Important attributes

action: The URL that receives the submitted data.
method: Usually get for retrieval and bookmarkable searches, or post for data that should be sent in the request body.
name: The key used to identify a control's value when the form is submitted.

Accessibility and safety

Give every form control a visible, associated label.
Use the correct input type and validation, but validate again on the server.
Use HTTPS and protect state-changing forms against unauthorized requests.
Do not put passwords or secrets in a GET URL.

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