Validate a drop down list with Javascript

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

I have a PDF form with a few drop down lists and I want to be able to validate that the person filling the form is not putting the default item. What is the javascript validation code I should be using ?

For example : One of my drop down list is Location and the user can choose between all of the locations we have. I added an option that is called « Select here » that is the default item in my drop down list. Is there a javascript code that would validate that the user didn't leave the « Select here » item on ?

[try67]

What should trigger this validation?

[try67]

Also, what should happen if the default value is selected?

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

What should trigger is the selection of any other choices in the list.

If the default value is selected it should have an error message saying : Please choose a valid location (for example).

[try67]

Doing that will prevent the user from clearing the form... It's not a good idea.

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

So what should I do ? I need to make sure that the person filling the form chooses an option (a valid one) rather than leaving the default option. 

[try67]

Is the file being submitted back to you?

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

Yes, it will be submitted and sent back by email to the pay department.

[try67]

Then the place that makes the most sense to place the validation is on the Submit button.

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

Ok perfect, so what code should I put in order to do that validation on the submit button ?

[try67]

Do you want to validate only this one field?

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

No I have multiple dropdown lists so I want all of them to not be left with the default option

[try67]

I posted a script that allows you to do that several times on these forums. Search for "Validate Required Fields" and I'm sure you'll find it.

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

I did a lookup and I'm not quite sure which one would be the « complete » solution. There are so many answers and reply that I can't seem to find the « final » answer with the right code ?

[try67 · Accepted solution]

Here you go:

function validateRequiredFields(doc) {
	var emptyFields = [];
	for (var i=0; i<doc.numFields; i++) {
		 var f = doc.getField(doc.getNthFieldName(i));
		 if (f!=null && f.type!="button" && f.required && f.valueAsString==f.defaultValue) {
			emptyFields.push(f.name);
		}
	}

	if (emptyFields.length>0) {
		 app.alert("You must fill in the following fields:\n" + emptyFields.join("\n"));
		 return false;
	}
	return true;
}	

And then you can call it like this:

if (validateRequiredFields(this)) this.mailDoc({cTo: "me@server.com"});

[Alexandra238931240i3r]

Thank you so much !!

[HelpMeForm!]

Hey! Thanks so much for this! Extremely helpful. I have a question though; when testing the form (distribute to myself, filling out out, and then submitting via the created button-with your script above), I noticed that once opening the distributed form, a purple bar appears at the top of the form that allows the user to "Submit Form" which completely side steps the JavaScript...any solution for this? (Like preventing that bar from appearing, or changing the code of the Submit Form button attached to it?)

[HelpMeForm!]

Or alternatively, adding to the script to not only email the fully completed pdf when my created button is clicked, but to also email an excel file (or csv) of the form responses? (I suspect this would get rid in the purple bar with the separate submit form button since it can be shared normally instead of through the "distribute" function...?)