There are 8 common input types in HTML forms, which are suitable for different data input requirements. 1. text is used for basic text input; 2. password is used to hide the password input displayed; 3. email is used to enter the email address specifically; 4. number is used for digital input and supports adjustment of numerical values; 5. checkbox is used for multiple selection check boxes; 6. radio is used for radio selection button groups; 7. date provides date selection function; 8. submit is used to submit form data. Each type has its own specific uses and browser support features. Regular use can improve user experience and data processing efficiency.

There are many input types in HTML forms, each type suitable for different data input requirements. Using the right input type can not only improve the user experience, but also help the browser better process input content, such as automatically popping up the appropriate keyboard (such as numeric keyboard, mailbox keyboard, etc.). Here are some common input types and their uses.

1. text : Basic text input

This is the most basic and common type of input, which allows users to enter a normal piece of text, such as name, title, etc.

 <input type="text" name="username" placeholder="Please enter username">

• The default width is 20 characters, but it can be adjusted via CSS.
• There is no formatting restriction on the input content, and users can enter any characters.
• It is often used for short text input, and it is recommended to use <textarea> for long text.

2. password : password input box

This type of input box displays the user input as an asterisk or dot to protect privacy.

 <input type="password" name="password" placeholder="Please enter your password">

• The input content will not be displayed explicitly.
• It is usually used with the second input box that confirms the password.
• Note: Although the interface hides content, it is still transmitted plain text when submitting, and requires HTTPS and backend encryption.

3. email : Email address input

This type is specially used to collect users' email addresses, and the browser will perform simple format verification.

 <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="your@email.com">

• The browser checks whether the @ symbol and basic format are included.
• The keyboard with the @ key will automatically pop up on the mobile device.
• You can set multiple email addresses to enter:

 <input type="email" multiple>

4. number : digital input

Allows users to enter numeric values, and supports up and down arrows to adjust the numeric value size.

 <input type="number" name="age" min="0" max="120" step="1">

• The minimum value (min), maximum value (max) and step (step) can be set.
• In browsers that do not support this type, it falls back to text .
• Note: The input is still a string and needs to be converted to numeric values.

5. checkbox : checkbox

Used to let the user select one or more of the options.

 <label><input type="checkbox" name="interests" value="sports"> Sports</label>
<label><input type="checkbox" name="interests" value="music"> Music</label>

• Each check box exists independently and can be selected at the same time.
• When submitting, only selected items are sent to the server.
• Usually used with <label> to improve click area and usability.

6. radio : radio button

Used to let the user select only one of multiple options.

 <label><input type="radio" name="gender" value="male"> Male</label>
<label><input type="radio" name="gender" value="female"> Female</label>

• name attributes of the same set of radios must be the same to achieve mutual exclusion.
• Users can only choose one of them.
• If there is no default selection, you may need to set the initial state through JavaScript.

7. date : date selector

Allows the user to select a date (year, month, day).

 <input type="date" name="birthdate">

• A date selection control is displayed in a browser that supports HTML5.
• The input format is YYYY-MM-DD .
• If the browser does not support it, it will appear as a normal text input box.

Other related types include:

• time : select time
• datetime-local : Select date and time (excluding time zone)
• month : select year and month
• week : select year and week number

8. submit : Submit button

Used to trigger form submission operation.

 <input type="submit" value="submit">

• After clicking, the form data will be sent to the server.
• The text on the button can be customized.
• You can also use <button type="submit">提交</button> to achieve richer style control.

In addition to these, there are other types such as file (file upload), color (color selector), range (slider), hidden (hidden field), etc. Choosing the appropriate input type according to actual needs can make the form easier to use, safer, and easier to maintain.

Basically these common types are there. After getting familiar with them, you can flexibly deal with various form design scenarios.

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