Html Form: Select-Option vs Datalist-Option

html

responsive-design

best-practices

form-design

byNikita Barsukov·Nov 27, 2024

When your choice is the law, go for <select>. Its dropdown menu means no room for custom input:

<!-- Apple or Banana? No coconuts here. 🥥-->
<select name="choices">
  <option value="apple">Apple</option>
  <option value="banana">Banana</option>
</select>

When you prefer anarchy with advice, opt for <datalist>. You can suggest options but let users have their say:

<!-- Apple, Banana or something off the menu?-->
<input list="fruits" name="fruit">
<datalist id="fruits">
  <option value="Apple">
  <option value="Banana">
</datalist>

So, rule with <select> for fixed choices, be open-minded with <datalist> for freedom within guidelines.

Showdown: `<select>` vs `<datalist>`

`<select>`: The Benevolent Dictator

The <select> element reigns when the one-choice-to-rule-them-all is required:

Exclusive Choice: Only pick a queen, no write-ins!
Common Knowledge: Familiar to everyone like your grandma's cookies.
Organized Kingdom: Options are well-grouped using <optgroup>, reducing chaos.

`<datalist>`: The Democratic Advisor

Choose <datalist> when you appreciate democracy with guidance:

Think Tank: Suggests as user types like a personal political advisor.
Freedom of Speech: All ideas are considered here.
Coding Bilinguals: Present user-friendly options but talk techie to the server.

Trading Blows: Functionality Face-Off

Browser Acceptance

<select> is an approachable guy. Gets along with everyone.
<datalist>'s charm doesn't work on everyone. Compatibility issues may arise. She's a bit picky.

Dress to Impress

<select> can be dressed up for any occasion. More styling options at your fingertips. He's also a model.
<datalist> plays hard to get. Styling can be limited or even elusive.

Reacting to Events

The <select> and <datalist> elements have a different event hangover:

<select> is an early bird. Fires the onchange event as soon as it hears a peep.
<datalist> is like your teenager. Browsers may wait for the focus to leave before acting.