Description

The .val() method returns or sets the value attribute of the selected elements.

Note: This function is mostly used with form elements.

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Return the Value Attribute

Returns the value of the value attribute of the FIRST matched element.

This method has the form:

.val()

Return Value

This form returns a String, Array object.

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Set the Value Attribute

Sets the value of the value attribute for ALL selected elements.

This method has the alternate form:

.val(value)

Parameter	Description
value	Specifies the value of the value attribute

Return Value

This form returns a jQuery object.

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Set the Value Attribute Using a Function

Using a function to set the value of the value attribute for all selected elements.

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This method has the alternate form:

.val(function(index,oldvalue))

Parameter	Description
function(index, oldvalue)	Specifies a function that returns the value to set. index - (optional) Receives the index position of the selector oldvalue - (optional) Receives the current value attribute of the selector

Return Value

This form returns a jQuery object.

Examples

Set the value of an input field:

$("button").click(function(){
  $("input:text").
    val("John Q. Public");
});