getElementById Not Working Right

Question

Ok, so I'm REALLY new to programming and javascript, but I'm having a problem with this little string of code. The thing that is bothering me about it, is that I have done things similar to this in other programs, but it's just not working right in this specific little part of this program. Here is basically what isn't working:

<html> <script type="text/javascript"> function test() { var myTextField = document.getElementById('myText'); document.write (myTextField); } </script> <form> <input type="text" id="myText"> <input type="submit" value="submit" OnClick="test()"> </form> </html>

When I do this, it returns [object HTMLInputElement] instead of the value of that text field. Thanks for any help cause I'm most of you know this. :P

Howard · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-16 00:09:05Z

getElementById returns the Object itself, which has many methods and properties as members.

You need to reference the value property, like this:

document.getElementById('myText').value;

That should work :)

Also, here's a general reference: https://developer.mozilla.org/en/A_re-introduction_to_JavaScript

MazepiC · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-16 00:08:27Z

0

Try:

document.write (myTextField.value);

answered Feb 16, 2012 at 0:08

MazepiC

3353 silver badges8 bronze badges

1 Comment

MazepiC Over a year ago

getElementById() returns the actual element - in this case a textbox. Use .value to get the text within the textbox.

Cheery · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-16 00:09:03Z

0

function test() { var myTextField = document.getElementById('myText').value; alert(myTextField); // or console.log(myTextField); }

You should not use document.write here, as you document is already loaded. Document.write will remove the page.

answered Feb 16, 2012 at 0:09

Cheery

16.3k45 silver badges58 bronze badges

2 Comments

Jackstah Comrad Davis Over a year ago

I understand, I don't normally use document.write except tests. Although ya, an alert would still be better.

Howard Over a year ago

@JackstahComradDavis an alert is better than doc write, but installing firebug and using console.log would be even better.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

getElementById Not Working Right

3 Answers 3

Comments

1 Comment

2 Comments

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

Comments

1 Comment

2 Comments

Related