How do I pre-populate a jQuery Datepicker textbox with today's date?

javascript

prompt-engineering

best-practices

responsive-design

byAlex Kataev·Nov 18, 2024

Instill today's date in a jQuery Datepicker with:

$('#yourInputId').datepicker({ defaultDate: new Date() }).val($.datepicker.formatDate('mm/dd/yy', new Date()));

This succinctly adjusts and formats the date for an indelible first impression.

Initialization at its best

Bootstrap the Datepicker, set the date, maintain an efficient code with jQuery chaining:

$(".date-pick").datepicker().datepicker('setDate', new Date()); // "One liner to the rescue!"

Keeping your code in shipshape across browsers

Run the Datepicker across different browsers and platforms, and watch for document being fully loaded:

$(document).ready(function(){
  $('.date-pick').datepicker().datepicker('setDate', new Date()); // "Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere."
});

Stay ahead of browser updates

Browser updates may pull a fast one on you. Stay informed, fine-tune your code for that smooth sailing.

Interactive design

Make the datepicker react to user updates, add event listeners like:

$('.date-pick').datepicker().on('change', function(){
  // "The user has spoken, we respond!"
});

Assure uniform date inputs in your application.

Moment.js to the rescue

Experience flexibility in date management with moment.js:

moment().format('MM/DD/YYYY'); // "And just like that, we have a formatted date."

Enhances date consistency and manipulation.

User interface polish

Guide users, make datepick selection smooth. Go stylish with Bootstrap Datepicker:

$('.date-pick').datepicker({
  todayHighlight: true,
  autoclose: true
});

Make the experience truly intuitive.

When in Rome...

Adapt the Datepicker to the user's locale:

$('.date-pick').datepicker($.datepicker.regional["es"]); // "Hola! Now we speak Spanish"

Delivering a locale-specific Datepicker boosts usability.

Performance hacks

Smoother Datepicker interaction by optimizing initialization:

$(document).on('focus', '.date-pick', function(){
  $(this).datepicker();
});

Fast and frictionless kickstart enhances user experience.

Effective error handling

Clear error logs pave the way for a great debugging experience:

if (!$('.date-pick').datepicker('setDate', new Date())) {
  console.error("The date could not be set. Houston, we have a problem.");
}

Exploring advanced features

Harness the true power of Datepicker by:

Preventing backdated selections:

$('.date-pick').datepicker({
  minDate: new Date(),
  maxDate: "+1Y" // "Hermione's Time-Turner doesn't work here."
});

Applying pre-defined date ranges:

$('.date-pick').datepicker({
  beforeShowDay: function(date) {
    return [date.getDay() === 1 || date.getDay() === 3]; // "Only on Mondays and Wednesdays cause even Datepickers need a break."
  }
});