Happier HTML5 Form Validation

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Chris Coyier on

HTML has given us loads of form validation stuff in the last few years. Dave Rupert puts a point on the UX problems with it:

If you’ve ever experimented with HTML5 Form Validation, you’ve probably been disappointed. The out-of-box experience isn’t quite what you want. Adding the required attribute to inputs works wonderfully. However the styling portion with input:invalid sorta sucks because empty inputs are trigger the :invalid state, even before the user has interacted with the page.

Fortunately, there is an invalid DOM event that does fire with useful timing: when the form is submitted. Remember this doesn’t buy you super deep browser support though. If you need that, look into polyfilling. I imagine the future of form validation is either HTML/CSS offering better and more controllable UX, or this.

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