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Html5 Number Input - Always show 2 decimal places

html
responsive-design
best-practices
form-validation
Alex KataevbyAlex KataevΒ·Sep 12, 2024
⚑TLDR
<!-- When HTML5 falls short, JavaScript has your back! πŸ¦Έβ€β™‚οΈ --> <input type="number" id="num" step="0.01" onblur="this.value = parseFloat(this.value).toFixed(2)">

HTML setup: Placeholder power πŸ’ͺ

The step attribute and placeholder can suggest the format, but they are only suggestions.

<!-- Setting up a visual cue with placeholder --> <input type="number" id="num" placeholder="0.00" step="0.01">

Remember - placeholders are just hints, not enforcers.

JavaScript: Enforcing formatting like a boss 😎

Let's ramp things up with JavaScript. This script ensures 2 decimal places upon input field blur.

<!-- This JavaScript walks into a bar. See a potential problem to fix, It says, "Don't worry HTML5, I got this!" --> document.querySelector('#num').addEventListener('blur', function() { this.value = parseFloat(this.value).toFixed(2); });

Here, JavaScript is the reliable wingman HTML5 needed!

jQuery: Bending the front-end to your will 🎩

jQuery's Mask Plugin by Igor Escobar is a fantastic tool for dynamic field formatting, but remember it's only skin-deep. You still need robust server-side validation.

<!-- Using a mask to trick the input into thinking it's a cat. Cheers Igor, you are a legend! 🐾 --> $('#num').mask('000,000,000.00', { reverse: true });

Browser compatibility: It's a jungle out there 🌴

Each browser has its own quirks with the number input type. Taking time to test across various browsers saves nerve cells later.

Accessibility: Because everyone matters ❀️

Accessibility is not merely a buzzword; it's a responsibility. Screen readers should interpret formatted inputs accurately and keyboard navigation should be seamless.

Alternative methods: A text input in number's clothing πŸ•΅οΈβ€β™‚οΈ

For those seeking high control over formatting, you might find a text input with regex pattern more suitable. But remember, it's trade-off time: convenience versus control.

<!-- A strict bouncer at the club of inputs. --> <input type="text" pattern="\d+(\.\d{2})?" title="This should be a number with up to two decimal places.">

Form data integrity: Trust but verify πŸ•΅οΈ

Whether you're using HTML attributes or JavaScript, validation on the server-side is a must. It's your safety net in the exciting yet daunting trapeze act of web development.

HTML or JavaScript: Convenience vs Precision 🎭

It's the classic stand-off between user convenience and data precision. By judiciously blending HTML attributes with JavaScript or jQuery, you can maintain a user-friendly UI without sacrificing data accuracy.