required

required attribute

The required attribute ensures that a user must enter a value in the input field before submitting the form.

Syntax

<tagname required>

Example

<form>
  <label for="name">Name:</label>
  <input type="text" id="name" name="name" required>
  <br>
  <label for="email">Email:</label>
  <input type="email" id="email" name="email" required>
  <br><br>
  <button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>

Values

The required attribute is a boolean attribute and does not have any associated values.

Applies To

The required attribute can be applied to the following HTML elements.

• <input>
• <textarea>

Key Points

• Purpose: Makes an input field mandatory.
• Supported Elements: <input> (text, email, password, etc.), <select>, <textarea>.
• Not Supported: <range>, color, hidden, and button types.
• Group Behavior: For radio buttons, only one needs to be checked. For checkboxes, only those with required are mandatory.

Usability

• Clear Indicator: Provide a noticeable sign that the field is mandatory.
• Accessibility: Implement both the required attribute and aria-required="true" for improved support with screen readers.
• Constraint Validation Pseudo-class: Activates when a required field is not filled out.

Conclusion

The required attribute ensures that users must fill in specific fields before submitting a form. It is applied to elements like <input>,<textarea>, and <select>, making certain fields mandatory. This helps improve form validation and ensures necessary data is provided.