Active field –
Definition:
In computing and user interface design, an active field is the input field on a form or screen that is currently selected or focused, meaning it’s ready to receive user input from the keyboard or another input device. Only one field can be active at a time.
Key Characteristics:
- Focus: The active field is said to have focus, which means the system will direct all keyboard input to that field.
- Visual Cue: Often visually distinguished—such as a blinking cursor, highlighted border, or background colour—to indicate it’s active.
- Input-Ready: Text typed by the user appears in this field immediately.
- Navigation: Users can move between fields (and change which one is active) using keys like
Tab,Shift + Tab, mouse clicks, or touch input.
Common Examples:
- On a login form, when the page loads, the cursor might automatically appear in the Username field—that’s the active field.
- On a contact form, clicking into the Email field makes it the active field so you can type your address.
- In spreadsheets, the currently selected cell is the active field for data entry.
Technical Relevance:
- In HTML and web development, the active field is usually the
<input>or<textarea>element that currently has focus. - Developers can programmatically set the active field using JavaScript (e.g.,
element.focus()). - Accessibility tools rely on focus indicators to assist users navigating with keyboards or screen readers.
Related Terms:
- Focus: The technical term for the state when a field is active.
- Input field: A general term for any area where users can type or enter data.
- Cursor: The blinking indicator inside an active field showing where text will appear.
- Form control: A broader term that includes text fields, buttons, checkboxes, etc.