jQuery Syntax for accessing asp:textbox

Question

I'm trying to change the value of an asp:textbox using jQuery using this line of code that I've found referenced in several places:

$("#<%= element.ClientID %>").attr('value', "");

However, I keep getting a syntax error saying that the first part is an invalid expression. I'm sure it's something simple I'm missing here, just don't know what it is.

jQuery is linked via the master page and the .js file with the function containing the line in question is individually linked on the specific page.

Nate · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-18 14:34:19Z

1

Your syntax is correct:

$('#<%= textbox.ClientID%>').val('new textbox value');

is the correct syntax for selecting an <asp:textbox /> via javascript and in this case jQuery; however, this only works in .ASPX files.

You will need to convert this separate .js file to an in-line script in your .ASPX page for this to work.

Alternatively, you could use a CSS class as a selector, which will work from your external .js file:

In your .JS file

$('.uniqueCSSClassName').val('new textbox value');

In your .ASPX file

<asp:textbox ID="whatever" CssClass="uniqueCSSClassName" />

This will allow you to select your text box from an external javascript file. This is not a pretty approach, but it will work. I would go for the first option, and move my .js code into an inline script.

answered Jul 18, 2013 at 14:34

Nate

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Louis Ricci · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-18 14:34:51Z

1

<script runat="server" type="text/javascript">
    $("#<%= element.ClientID %>").val("");
</script>

answered Jul 18, 2013 at 14:34

Louis Ricci

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Jason P · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-18 14:33:30Z

0

Is this code in an .aspx page, or in a .js file? The asp engine doesn't process javascript files, so it wouldn't turn <%= element.ClientID %> into the actual client id.

Also, the line of code to set the value of the textbox should be:

$('selector').val('');

If you want to keep your javascript separate, use a class instead.

answered Jul 18, 2013 at 14:33

Jason P

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3 Comments

tymeJV Over a year ago

Since his .js is in a separate file, OP can use classes to target elements.

Daniel Cappuccio Over a year ago

The code is in the .js file. Guess that's the error then. Is it possible to reference the asp:element from a .js file?

Daniel Cappuccio Over a year ago

I'll try using a class as suggested

Gintas K · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-18 14:35:20Z

0

you need to define your element's ID in the place of 'element', like:

$("#<%= yourElementId.ClientID %>").attr('value', "");

and that element should have runat="server" attribute

answered Jul 18, 2013 at 14:35

Gintas K

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Primus Magnus · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-18 14:39:12Z

0

try this.

$('[id$=textboxID]').val();

answered Jul 18, 2013 at 14:39

Primus Magnus

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