limiting the size of textarea

[Anon]

How can I limit the number of charasters that can be typed inside a textarea?

[Anon]

a simple google search answered your question in 5 seconds... try that next time.

here is what i found:

There is no way in HTML to code a maximum length value for HTML TEXTAREA fields, such that the typing is halted at that length in the way an INPUT text field does. You can, however, at least do a test on the client when the user leaves the field, using Javascript. This may be a little less annoying than their getting an error from a server-side error check. Try:

<textarea name="description" rows="10" cols="50" wrap="virtual"
onChange="if (this.value.length > 2000) {alert('Sorry, Description must be limited to 2000 Characters.')};">
#Description#
</textarea>

[Anon]

Thanx, I've used an if loop similar to that using strlen. Since theres no way to limit, is there a way to show the number of characters so that the client can see as they type.

[kaptainkory]

Try this:

<form name="form1" etc...>
<textarea name="description" rows="10" cols="50" wrap="virtual"
onChange="if (this.value.length > 2000) {alert('Sorry, Description must be limited to 2000 Characters.')}; document.form1.charnum.value = this.value.length;">
#Description#
</textarea>
<input type="text" name="charnum">

Easy! Now go learn some Javascript!

http://www.irt.org ...this will get you going!

Kory

[kaptainkory]

It works a LOT better with "onkeyup" rather than "onchange"...so switch that.

Kory