So we have a web application where currently the enter button is disabled. I would like it enabled. The explanation I get from our developer on why that isn't possible is that the enter key is currently tied to the first submit button (on every page), which is currently the logout button (no good)

It sounds like he doesn't know how to tie the use of the enter button to the appropriate submit button or appropriate function.

Two examples of how I want the system to work:

1) If there is a text field where you type in a search string I want the enter to hit the "search" button tot he direct box.
2)If the cursor is in a large scrollable text field, I want the enter button to serve as a carriage return.

Any ideas on how to implement this?

If you need more information on our application just let me know what pieces of info you need and I'll get them. I can tell you we use aspx but thats all I can think of.

I'd be willing to paypal some $$$ if someone can help me get the developer down the right path

8/22/2005 2:57:29 PM

I found a link that might help you out, involves writing a client side script to catch the enter key and doing what you want when that keypress is caught

http://www.mcse.ms/archive110-2004-5-647792.html

8/22/2005 3:39:07 PM

your developer sounds like a clueless nimrod

this thread makes me resent that I still don't have a computer-related job

8/22/2005 3:46:04 PM

I agree with the negro

8/22/2005 3:50:10 PM

two worthless responses, and I'm the only one who posted something worthwhile

that link should have enough info to get your developer pointed in the right direction to get the page working correctly

8/22/2005 3:51:27 PM

your developer needs to be pointed back to the community college or technical institute he got his sheet of toilet paper certification from and take a couple classes in how to use a fucking computer

8/22/2005 3:58:00 PM

do you realize they dont teach you shit like this in programming classes?

with that said, there should be a collegiate course on "Google: 101", you can find answers to this kind of shit all over the internet, and its easy to find shit on Google if you know how to search for shit

8/22/2005 4:05:45 PM

yeah, I do realize they can't teach you to think for yourself in any level class. that's why I'm amazed this guy has a web development job when he can't figure out that either A) he can change the "first submit button" to the enter action they want (holy fucking rocket science) or B) he can trap the keystrokes with JavaScript, and submit whatever he wants in the event

even if these approaches didn't occur to him immediately, he could have found number B with a quick, QUICK damn google

this isn't anything innovative, this is like, basic rich web client GUI development... why does he not know this? even if he's only been working there a few weeks with no prior experience he should have been exposed to it! IT BOGGLES MY MIND

8/22/2005 4:13:07 PM

The enter button, by default, should be tied to the form that you are actively in. So if you hit enter in anything other than a <textarea> it will submit the form that element is in. It should insert a new line in a <textarea> though.

(Like on TWW, after typing in a reply I hit "Tab" then "Enter" and it submits the reply form and doesn't fuck with top one at all)

[Edited on August 22, 2005 at 6:10 PM. Reason : .]

8/22/2005 6:09:13 PM

I always forget whether you have to be really dumb or really smart to be in web development.

8/22/2005 6:51:04 PM

yeah it seems like a basic thing, don't know why hes so slow on this. maybe he doesn't want to implement in the system for some reason...

8/22/2005 7:32:33 PM

maybe the developer is just lazy and don't feel like doin it.

8/22/2005 7:36:09 PM

well he charges enough, I'm wouldnt think that would be the case

8/22/2005 7:57:41 PM

should be pretty easy for a competent person to do

8/22/2005 8:13:39 PM

unfortunately all browsers are not forced to follow the standards put in place by a self-appointed organization.

relying on javascript functions is not good practice (~10% people have javascript disabled, therefore javascript functions should not be used to control flow through the site)

8/22/2005 8:31:14 PM

those 10% are so special they can take their fat fingers to the mouse and click the damn button

8/22/2005 8:39:22 PM