How to Retrieve Text from an Input Field in JavaScript and jQuery

Discover the best practices for accessing text input values in JavaScript and jQuery. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to `undefined` values.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: How to get the text written in text input

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Retrieve Text from an Input Field in JavaScript and jQuery

When working with web applications, managing user input efficiently is crucial. One common issue developers face is getting the text entered in an <input type="text">. If you've run into problems, such as receiving an undefined value, you're not alone. This post will guide you through the correct methods to extract text input and help you understand some common pitfalls along the way.

The Problem

Imagine you have an input field in your HTML and you want to capture whatever a user types into it. You might use something like the following jQuery code when the Enter key is pressed:

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

However, you encounter an issue where this returns undefined. So what went wrong? Let's dive into the solution step by step.

Understanding the Basics

Differences Between jQuery and Vanilla JavaScript

One of the main reasons for the issue you faced is the mix-up between jQuery and Vanilla JavaScript. Here's a quick breakdown:

jQuery: A library that simplifies DOM manipulation, allowing you to use methods like .val() to get or set values.

Vanilla JavaScript: The native way to interact with the DOM, where you interact with elements using properties directly, such as .value.

Input Elements and Their Properties

In HTML, input elements carry values, not HTML content. The methods you tried such as .text(), .html(), or even innerHTML do not apply to input values. Instead, you should use .val() in jQuery or .value in native JavaScript.

The Solution: What to Use Instead

Now that we understand the issues, let’s go through the correct way to retrieve the value from an input field.

Using jQuery

When you are working with jQuery, you should use .val() method:

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

Using Vanilla JavaScript

If you prefer to stay with Vanilla JavaScript for better performance or simplicity, here’s how you can do it:

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

Reference the Input in the jQuery Event Handler

A more efficient way when inside a jQuery event handler is to use $(this). This refers to the specific element that fired the event. Here’s how you do it:

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

Conclusion

Accessing text written in an <input type="text"> can be straightforward once you use the correct method applicable to the framework or vanilla method you're working with. By understanding the distinct properties and methods in jQuery and Vanilla JavaScript, you can avoid the common undefined pitfalls and efficiently manage your user input.

Quick Recap

jQuery: Utilize $(this).val() inside event handlers, or simply $('input[type=text]').val() outside.

Armed with this knowledge, you'll be ready to handle user input without a hitch!