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"button" vs. "input type=button". Which to use?

Harry 165 06-Jun-2024

<button> vs. <input type="button" />. Which to use?

html html  html5  html form 
Updated on 06-Jun-2024
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Ravi Vishwakarma

Ravi Vishwakarma

06-Jun-2024

The choice between <button> and <input type="button"> in HTML depends on several factors, including desired functionality, flexibility, and the specific use case. 

comparison

 

<button> Element

Pros:

Content flexibility: The <button> element can contain text, images, or other HTML elements, allowing the creation of more complex and customizable buttons.

<button>Click Me</button>
<button><img src="icon.png" alt="Icon"> Click Me</button>

Styling: It's easier to style and apply advanced CSS to <button> elements because they can contain different elements and have a more complex structure

<style>
    .styled-button {
        background-color: #4CAF50;
        color: white;
        padding: 15px 32px;
        font-size: 16px;
        border: none;
        border-radius: 4px;
        cursor: pointer;
    }
    .styled-button:hover {
        background-color: #45a049;
    }
</style>
<button class="styled-button">Styled Button</button>

Types: The <button> element has a type attribute that can be set to "button", "submit", or "reset", providing greater control over its behavior in the forms.

<button type="button">Button</button>
<button type="submit">Submit</button>
<button type="reset">Reset</button>

Cons:

Browser Compatibility: Historically, there have been inconsistencies in the way different browsers handle the <button> element, particularly in the case of form submissions. However, modern browsers have largely addressed these issues.

 

<input type="button"> Element

Pros:

Simplicity: <input type="button"> is straightforward and easy to use for simple button requirements where only text is needed.

<input type="button" value="Click Me">

Form Handling: Using <input> elements can make it easier to ensure consistent behavior across browsers when dealing with form-related actions.

Compatibility: Older and less capable browsers may handle <input> elements more robustly.

Cons:

Limited Content: <input type="button"> can only contain text (specified by the value attribute). You cannot include images or other HTML elements in it.

<input type="button" value="Click Me">

Less Flexible Styling: Although you can still apply CSS to the <input type="button"> style, it may not be as flexible or powerful as the <button> style.

<style>
    .styled-input {
        background-color: #4CAF50;
        color: white;
        padding: 15px 32px;
        font-size: 16px;
        border: none;
        border-radius: 4px;
        cursor: pointer;
    }
    .styled-input:hover {
        background-color: #45a049;
    }
</style>
<input type="button" class="styled-input" value="Styled Button">

When to Use Which

Use <button> When:

  • You need to include complex content like images or HTML in the button.
  • You want more advanced styling options and flexibility.
  • You need to use different button types (button, submit, reset).

Use <input type="button"> When:

  • You want a simple button with just text.
  • You prioritize consistency and simplicity, especially in older or less capable browsers.
  • You want a quick and straightforward way to add a button without any additional HTML content.

 

Both <button> and <input type="button"> have their own use cases and can be used effectively depending on the needs of your project. Generally, <button> is more flexible and powerful, while <input type="button"> is more straightforward. For modern web development, <button> is often preferred due to its versatility and ability to handle more complex content and styles.

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