HTML Elements Used in Forms

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) provides a simple way of collecting information through the use of fill-out forms. A fill-out form is created within a document using HTML's FORM element. The FORM element and its attributes define how a fill-out form should be handled when its submitted. The FORM element contains other input-related elements, such as INPUT, SELECT and TEXTAREA, that create the actual input fields within the form. In turn, each of these input fields is given a name to help identify the field's value when the form is submitted.

The <FORM> Element

Use this element to include a fill-out form within a HTML document. This element has attributes, such as METHOD and ACTION, that define how a given form should be handled when it's submitted.

The <INPUT> Element

Use this element to add input fields to a form. Choices include single line text fields, password fields, hidden fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, submit and reset buttons, as well as image buttons.

The <SELECT> Element

Use this element to add multi-selection menus to a form. A menu is built using one or more OPTION elements which correspond with each item on the menu.

The <TEXTAREA> Element

Use this element to add multi-line text entry fields to a form.

Other Resources:

• For a complete overview of these HTML elements, refer to the World Wide Wide Consortium's HTML 3.2 Reference Specification.
• Another good resource is Wilbur - HTML 3.2