Difference between and

Functionality and Default Behavior

Each <input> type serves a unique function, and using them correctly is foundational to effective form processing. While both are clickable, their default behaviors and implementation differ significantly.

• Implicit submission: Only possible with <input type='submit'>; this type plays well with the form's action attribute and works natively.
• JavaScript Intervention: An action from <input type='button'> is achieved through JavaScript—like AJAX calls or on-the-fly UI changes.

The HTML standard provides clear instructions for form controls, indicating the important choices between these input types for suitable interactions.

Handling Default Actions and User Interaction

An <input type='submit'> will by default refresh the page during form submission. On the contrary, an <input type='button'> wouldn't reload the page, which makes it a good fit for orchestrated interactions like AJAX calls.

You can always override these default actions using JavaScript, enabling you to mold them to better suit your form interaction design.

Choosing the Right Input Type

Understanding the action each input type takes is important to cater to specific needs.

<input type='submit'> is designed for straightforward form submissions, while <input type='button'> works well in complex scenarios that demand a pre-submission validation or when submission isn't necessary.

Scenarios and Best Practices

<input type='button'> proves handy when dealing with complex forms or when you need to gather more information, navigate the users through multiple steps, or manage dynamic content without page loads.

On the other hand, <input type='submit'> is a tool suited for straightforward interactions, like login or contact forms, where speedy data submission is crucial.

Remember that <input type='submit'> will send data as-is. It's essential to validate in the client-side with JavaScript and/or in the server-side to avoid unexpected results.