<TEXTAREA> specify a form field where the user can enter large amounts of text. In most respects, <TEXTAREA> works as an <INPUT> field. It can contain a name and a default value. It needs to be noticed that <TEXTAREA> is a container tag, thus it contain a start tag and an ending tag.

In its simplest form, <TEXTAREA> needs the NAME, COLS and ROWS attributes, and nothing among <TEXTAREA ...> & </TEXTAREA>.   Look at code fragment illustrated below

<FORM ACTION="../cgi-bin/mycgi.pl" METHOD=POST> your comments :< BR>

<TEXTAREA NAME="comments" COLS=40 ROWS=6></TEXTAREA>

<P><INPUT TYPE=SUBMIT VALUE="submit">

</FORM>

gives us this form:

your commenbts:

The matter among <TEXTAREA ...> & </TEXTAREA> are used as the default value

<FORM ACTION="../cgi-bin/mycgi.pl">

your response:<BR>

<TEXTAREA NAME="comments" COLS=40 ROWS=6>

Kamal said

: I think it's a good idea

: But it require more thought

</TEXTAREA>

<P><INPUT TYPE=SUBMIT VALUE="submit">

</FORM>

gives us your response:

Figure: Using the TEXTAREA Tag

The contents are only interpreted as text; HTML markup is avoided. In theory the user can type unrestricted amounts of text into the text area field. In practice the browser sets a boundary generally that is no more than 32 K. If you wish users to send in their newest novel, assume using some file upload mechanism.