Forms page
About Web Forms
A webform, web form or HTML form on a web page allows a user to enter data that is sent to a server for processing. Forms can resemble paper or database forms because web users fill out the forms using checkboxes, radio buttons, or text fields.
Typically, a web form contains a combination of form elements such as a checkbox, submit button, text box, etc. For added interactivity, web designers may use elements or classes such as "input" along with "action" and "method" attributes. They can also use the "GET" or "POST" method for submitting data.
Through the careful combination of programmed objects, functions and methods, web designers can create web forms that allow for more sophisticated transactions online. Web forms have revolutionized many fields including real estate, medicine, high finance, retail and numerous other industries where paperwork and documentation play a vital role. Using a combination of standardized web technologies and computer programming principles, IT professionals allow for more of what used to be done on paper to be done online.
When data that has been entered into HTML forms is submitted, the names and values in the form elements are encoded and sent to the server in an HTTP request message using GET or POST.
Key Points
NOTE:
For a web form to be fully functional requires:
- Front-end HTML form interface for the user to enter data
- Back-end server-side code (such as PHP) to capture the data and respond
The following example demonstrates the front-end HTML form interface
Form Example
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