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onsubmit (HTML attribute)

Spec
Depr. Version
No HTML 4
Browser support (more…)
IE5.5+ FF1+ SA1.3+ OP9.2+
Full Full Full Full

Syntax

onsubmit="script"

Description

The onsubmit attribute is used on the form element only. Its purpose is to capture the moment when the form is submitted, following the moment when the user activates the form’s Submit button.

Example

This attribute is used almost exclusively for the purpose of running form validation scripts. In such scenarios, the user fills in the form and clicks submit, at which point the onsubmit attribute triggers the form validation routine, and the form is either submitted, or cancelled because of an error of which the user is alerted:

<form name="frmPersonalDetails" action="/personal.php"
    onsubmit="checkPersonalDetails();"> ⋮ </form>

Value

This attribute has no fixed value. It’s up to the author to decide on the scripting that’s included here, be that a call to one or more defined functions, or a simple alert() statement.

Compatibility

Internet Explorer Firefox Safari Opera
5.5 6.0 7.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 1.3 2.0 3.0 9.2 9.5
Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full

Every browser listed supports this attribute. However, it should be avoided as it encourages the mixing of content and behavior.

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