How to set default value to the input

Using JavaScript for dynamic dates

For a dynamic and current default date, JavaScript is your ally:

// Ready for today's date? Let's go!
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', (event) => {
  document.querySelector('#myDate').value = new Date().toISOString().substr(0, 10);
});
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This script, when embedded in HTML, sets the "today's" date in the input field marked with id="myDate" automatically. Conceptually, it's like a newspaper that prints today's date!

Date formatting essentials and browser compatibility

Always pad single digits with zeros. Always! Here's what I mean:

<!-- Oops, it's a trap! -->
<input type="date" value="2023-4-9">

<!-- Ta-da, much better -->   
<input type="date" value="2023-04-09">
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Remember, for optimal user experience, compatibility matters, so test your default date across multiple browsers to ensure homogeneous recognition.

Server-side default date

Running a server-side script such as PHP? Easily set the default date as follows:

<!-- PHP is still kicking and setting dates! -->
<input type="date" value="<?php echo date("Y-m-d");?>">
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But here's a catch - this reflects the server's time zone! To mind the gap between various user time zones, you might prefer client-side JavaScript that aligns with the local settings of the user.

Leverage the power of JavaScript libraries

In case the native Date object falls short, Moment.js is there to simplify date handling:

// Moment.js, taking dates to a whole new level!
document.getElementById("myDate").value = moment().format('YYYY-MM-DD');
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Remember, keeping your libraries fresh is critical to prevent your code from behaving like a time capsule!

Unleash JavaScript's full potential

Mind your time zones

Consider different time zones when catering to international users:

// No time for time zone confusions!
document.querySelector('#myDate').value = new Date().toLocaleDateString('en-CA');
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Prepare your data for backend processing

Before sending date values, ensure they're dressed for the occasion - correctly formatted for the server-side party:

// Gettin' ready for the backend party!
let dateToSend = document.querySelector('#myDate').value; 
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Don multiple hats with JavaScript

Script once, run it for all the date inputs on your page.

// One script to rule them all!
function setInputDate(selector) {
  const elements = document.querySelectorAll(selector);
  elements.forEach(el => el.value = new Date().toISOString().substr(0, 10));
}
setInputDate('.date-input');
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Raptors in your code? Validate user inputs!

Shield your application from unwanted surprises by regularly validating user date inputs:

// An input event listener a day keeps the raptors at bay!
document.querySelector('#myDate').addEventListener('input', function(event) {
  let date = this.value;
  console.log('Selected date is', date); // Now validate or apply data masking
});
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