JavaScript get TextArea input via .value or .innerHTML?
JavascriptTextareaInnerhtmlJavascript Problem Overview
Is it ok to get the value of a textarea element in JavaScript with myTextArea.value or should I use myTextArea.innerHTML?
Thank you.
Javascript Solutions
Solution 1 - Javascript
You should use .value
myTextArea.value
Solution 2 - Javascript
One difference is that you can use HTML entities with .innerHTML
document.getElementById('t1').innerHTML = '<>&';
document.getElementById('t2').value = '<>&';
<textarea id="t1"></textarea>
<textarea id="t2"></textarea>
Solution 3 - Javascript
For div and span, you can use innerHTML, but for textarea use value. Please see the example below.
<script language="javascript/text">
document.getElementById("spanText").innerHTML ="text";
document.getElementById("divText").innerHTML ="text";
document.getElementById("textArea").value ="text";
</script>
<span id="spanText"></span>
<div id="divText"></div>
<textarea id="textArea"></textArea>
Solution 4 - Javascript
Don't use innerHTML use value e.g. document.getElementById(name).value
Solution 5 - Javascript
The answer depends on your situation.
I would personally use .value as that's what the other form inputs provide. It's easier to be in the habit of doing it that way.