Jquery add required to input fields

javascript

prompt-engineering

functions

callbacks

byNikita Barsukov·Feb 27, 2025

In the digital hustle, you need to move quick. Here's your speedy solution for setting required on input fields using jQuery's .prop() method. Remember, size doesn't always matter, embrace the beauty of boolean:

$('input[type="text"]').prop('required', true);
// After all, who needs optional text inputs, right? 😉

Modify selector for different input types. Prefer .prop() over .attr() for boolean properties, such as required.

Required or not? That is the question

Value of `.prop()`

When it comes to boolean attributes, like required, the .prop() method is your trusty coin toss. Heads or tails, true or false. No need for quotes around "true". Brevity is wit after all.

$('input').prop('required', true); // Quotes around true? Ain't nobody got time for that!

Dealing with `.attr()`

.attr() used to be the cool kid on the block. But as jQuery matured, it became more of a high school sweetheart. It's still there, just not with boolean attributes:

$('input').attr('required', true); // Oops, attr() is for old times' sake

Use .attr() when it's about non-boolean attributes:

$('input').attr('placeholder', 'I am no placeholder in your life ❤️');

Removing the 'required' tag

Break up with "required" like this:

$('#elementId').prop('required', false); // Goodbye, my lover. Goodbye, my friend. 🎵
// OR
$('#elementId').removeAttr('required'); // Now you're just somebody that I used to know 🎵

Debugging and testing

You know what they say about assumptions. Always test your jQuery code. Take the browser console out for a coffee and watch for any errors. Syntax got you down? Blame it on the jQuery version difference. There used to be a time when .attr() and .prop() were interchangeable — not anymore.

Ensuring DOM readiness

Your jQuery manipulations need a fully baked DOM. Here's the recipe:

$(document).ready(function() {
  // jQuery magic show begins 
});

Practical cases

Adding inputs dynamically

Coaxing inputs to be required as they frolic into the DOM:

$(document).on('DOMNodeInserted', 'form', function() {
  $(this).find('input[type="text"]').prop('required', true);
  // Hey, new kid! You're required too! 🖖
});

Conditional importance

Isn't love conditional? If an optional (required=false) input turns important based on another input, you should:

$('select[name="options"]').change(function() {
  var isRequired = $(this).val() === 'specific-option';
  $('input[name="conditional-input"]').prop('required', isRequired);
  // Ah, conditions met. You're important now! 🎉
});

Client-side validation

Provide real-time trolling for the user if they miss out on doing what's required:

$('form').on('submit', function() {
  if (!this.checkValidity()) {
    $(this).find(':invalid').css({ border: '2px solid red' });
    // Red Alert! Border Patrol active! ⛔
    return false;
  }
});