Understanding Why input.value Returns undefined in jQuery: A Simple Fix

Discover the reason behind `undefined` values when accessing input fields in jQuery and learn the correct way to retrieve them using the `val()` method.
---

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---

The Problem at Hand

Suppose you have a basic text input in your HTML:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You want to alert the value of this input when the user presses "Enter." The following jQuery code snippet is intended to accomplish this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

When you run this code, you might expect to see the value of the input in an alert box, but instead, you see undefined.

Understanding the Cause

jQuery vs JavaScript

The crux of the issue is a fundamental difference between jQuery and vanilla JavaScript:

In JavaScript, we use .value property to access the input value:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In jQuery, the correct way to retrieve the value of an input field is by using the .val() method:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution: Using the .val() Method

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Complete Example

Here’s a full example, including the necessary HTML and the jQuery library:

HTML

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

jQuery Script

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By understanding the difference between jQuery and vanilla JavaScript in this context, you can effectively troubleshoot similar issues in your future projects. Happy coding!