Note

The exact pixel coordinates where the mouse clicked an image button are sent along with the form data. For example, if someone entered bigjoe@chicago.net in the form in Figure 8.6, the resulting form data might look like the following:

Figure 8.6 Forms don't need to be complex to be effective. (They might need to be a little less blunt, though.)

Anotherone=bigjoe@chicago.net

&x=75

&y=36

Normally you should ignore the x and y coordinates, but some server scripts use them to turn the button into an imagemap.

TIP

You can make a button that cancels the form and proceeds to another page (ignoring all information the user has entered so far) simply by linking to that other page. Here is an example:

<a href="nodice.htm">Click here to cancel.</a>

There is no specific form type for a graphical reset button, but you can achieve the same effect by putting an image link to the current page, like this:

<a href="thispage.htm"><img src="cancel.gif" /></a>

(Don't worry if you don't really understand the last line yet. You'll learn all about the <img /> tag in Hour 10.)

Note

The most common mistake many companies make when putting a first order form on the Internet is the same all too often made on paper order forms: leaving out a key piece of information. To avoid yourself the embarrassment of an incomplete order form, visit the 24-Hour HTML Café site at http://24hourHTMLcafe.com/hour8/.

Click the "Sample Form" link to bring up a sample order form. This is just your basic, run-of-the-mill product order form with credit card information, name, address, and so forth. Use it as a starting template and then add your own products, graphics, and unique information. Don't forget to change the <form action> to your own server script address!