Support for HTML 5 placeholder attribute

[Jim Coyne]

I've created a function to add support for the HTML placeholder attribute. You can use it to include some extra helpful text in input fields:

It's real simple to use - just include a call to the function in an onLoad script with the name of the field/variable and the text you want displayed:

u_addPlaceholderAttribute('short_description', 'Enter a short description of the problem');

I've tested it in Chrome, Firefox and Opera on Windows 7 and it works. Of course it does not work in current version of IE, but it does work in the upcoming IE 10.

Here's the script:

function u_addPlaceholderAttribute(variableName, hint) {
   try{
       var fieldName = g_form.getControl(variableName).name.toString();
       if (Prototype.Browser.IE) {
           fieldName.placeholder = hint;
       } else {
           $(fieldName).writeAttribute('placeholder', hint);
       }
   } catch(err) {}
}

I've also attached it as an XML export of the function - just remove the ".txt" extension and import it into your instance.

[meghna_shaw]

If I have to apply placeholder for multiple fields, what to write in the UI script?

hint = getMessage(hint);
saving the hint in UI messages

Now suppose, I have 5 Fields on the form having different messages and I want to call these messages from UI messages , what changes do I need to do in the UI Script?

[Jim Coyne · Accepted solution]

Just setting this answer as correct as the actual thread was not meant as a question and it cannot be changed because it came from the original Community site.

[will_smith]

Hi Jim, would you be able to offer some assistance with putting this placeholder text on a catalog variable? When I create a new onLoad client script against a catalog variable, it takes me to the variables table, but there is nowhere to select which variable to run the script against?

I have tried putting the first input as the variable name, but I'm not seeing the placeholder text in the cat item variable. All help is greatly appreciated.

[Jim Coyne]

What version is your instance on?   Can you include a screenshot of your current Client Script?   Have you created the "u_addPlaceholderAttribute" Script Include?

[will_smith]

Here is the script include Jim,

I am still not seeing it in the catalog item. Below is the image of my client script on the catalog item table, I have also tried it on the variable table as well. Thanks for your help with this.