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Button formMethod Property

< Button Object

Example

Return which HTTP method to use when sending the form-data:

var x = document.getElementById("myBtn").formMethod;

The result of x could be:

post
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Definition and Usage

The formMethod property sets or returns the value of the formmethod attribute of a button.

The formmethod attribute specifies which HTTP method to use when sending the form-data. This attribute overrides the form's method attribute.

The formmethod attribute is only used for buttons with type="submit".

The form-data can be sent as URL variables (with method="get") or as HTTP post (with method="post").

Notes on the "get" method:

  • it appends the form-data to the URL in name/value pairs
  • it is useful for form submissions where a user want to bookmark the result
  • There is a limit to how much data you can place in a URL (varies between browsers), therefore, you cannot be sure that all of the form-data will be correctly transferred
  • Never use the "get" method to pass sensitive information! (password or other sensitive information will be visible in the browser's address bar)

Notes on the "post" method:

  • it sends the form-data as an HTTP post transaction
  • Form submissions with the "post" method cannot be bookmarked
  • it is more robust and secure than "get"
  • it does not have size limitations

Note: The formmethod attribute is new for the <button> element in HTML5.


Browser Support

Internet Explorer Firefox Opera Google Chrome Safari

The formMethod property is supported in all major browsers.

Note: The formMethod property is not supported in Internet Explorer 9 and earlier versions.


Syntax

Return the formMethod property:

buttonObject.formMethod

Set the formMethod property:

buttonObject.formMethod=get|post

Property Values

Value Description
get Appends the form-data to the URL: URL?name=value&name=value
post Sends the form-data as an HTTP post transaction

Technical Details

Return Value: A String, representing the HTTP method that is used to submit the form to the server

More Examples

Example

Change the method for sending form-data:

document.getElementById("myBtn").formMethod = "post";
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Example

Another example on returning the formMethod property:

var x = document.getElementById("myBtn").formMethod;
Try it Yourself »

Related Pages

HTML reference: HTML <button> formmethod attribute


< Button Object