Obtain form input fields using jQuery?

Capturing submit event and serializing basics

To take action on the form submit event, you can make use of a jQuery submit event handler:

$('#myForm').submit(function(event) {
  // Not today, default submission!
  event.preventDefault();
  // Here's your chance to shine, serialized inputs. Do your magic.
});
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For a more unified, one-shot way to get all form input values, jQuery gives you .serialize() and .serializeArray():

$('#myForm').serialize();          // name=value&name=value...
$('#myForm').serializeArray();     // [{name: value}, {name: value}...]
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Spoiler alert: Using serializeArray(), you might miss out on unchecked checkboxes. Don't worry, though, we've got a workaround for that:

$('input[type=checkbox]').map(function() {
  return { name: this.name, value: this.checked ? this.value : "false" };
}).get();
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Edge cases, compatibility quirks and vanquishing them

Despite jQuery's charm for serializing form inputs, handling edge cases like <select multiple> is crucial. So, for <select multiple>, serializeArray() creates an entry for each selected option. In case you don't plan a multiple choice party, you might need to adjust:

$('select[multiple]').val(); // Voila!, grabs an array of selected values.
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Also, ensure your jQuery version plays nice with your form's input types. HTML5 input types require jQuery 1.4+, unless you enjoy unexpected results, always refer to the latest documentation.

Dealing with complex forms: The saga continues

Complex forms, with nested structures or dynamic generation, might prove tricky for serializeArray() and serialize(). In such cases, consider manually sculpting your data structure or adopting plugins like the jQuery Form Plugin:

var complexData = {};
$('#myForm .complex-input').each(function() {
  // Pretend each input has a data-path attribute like "user.details.address"
  _.set(complexData, $(this).data('path'), $(this).val());
});
// GIVING CREDIT: Lodash just made setting nested values a piece of cake with _.set
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The art of making your code maintainable

While our jQuery snippets speed up your scripting, maintaining clear, readable code is key for long-term performance and robustness. Keep these practices in mind:

• Explain Your Magic: Document your logic so other code wizards don't get lost in your spells.
• DRY Spells: Duplicated magic doesn't make it twice as powerful. Use a reusable incantation.
• Bundle Your Spells: Group similar magic into bundles or modules. It keeps your spell book tidy.
• Spell Check: Always test your magic. Be especially careful with form handling—it's unpredictable by nature.

Remember the developer's mantra: "I won't be the only wizard here. I'll keep my spells clean and presentable."