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URL Field Component

1. Introduction​

The URL Field component is an input field designed specifically for collecting and validating URLs. It ensures that users provide valid URLs by displaying an error message when the input does not meet the required format. This component is ideal for applications that require users to input website links, API endpoints, or other web-based resources.

Purpose and Use Cases​

  • Purpose: The URL Field component is used to collect and validate web addresses (URLs) from users.
  • Primary Use Cases:
    • Collecting website links in forms or surveys.
    • Capturing API endpoints or callback URLs in developer tools.
    • Validating user-provided URLs for correctness before submission.

Benefits​

  • Validation: Ensures that only valid URLs are accepted, reducing errors and improving data quality.
  • Customizable: Allows developers to define custom error messages and help text for better user guidance.
  • User-Friendly: Provides a clear and intuitive interface for entering URLs.
  • Responsive Design: Works seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

2. Properties​

The URL Field component comes with several configurable properties to suit different use cases. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Code​

  • Description: A unique identifier for the component.
  • Purpose: Used to reference the component programmatically.
  • Required/Optional: Required

Label​

  • Description: The text label displayed above or next to the URL field.
  • Purpose: Provides context for the user about the purpose of the field.
  • Default: "Enter a URL"
  • Required/Optional: Optional

Invalid URL Message​

  • Description: The error message displayed when the user enters an invalid URL.
  • Purpose: Informs the user that the input does not meet the required format.
  • Default: "Please provide a valid URL"
  • Required/Optional: Optional

Mandatory Field​

  • Description: Specifies whether the URL field is required to be filled.
  • Purpose: Ensures that users provide input before proceeding.
  • Default: OFF
  • Required/Optional: Optional

Help​

  • Description: Displays a help message for the URL field.
  • Purpose: Provides additional guidance or context for the user.
  • Default: OFF
  • Sub-Property:
    • Help Message: A textbox to input help text concerning the component.
  • Required/Optional: Optional

Enabled​

  • Description: Determines whether the URL field is active or disabled.
  • Purpose: Controls the availability of the URL field to users.
  • Default: ON
  • Required/Optional: Optional

3. Style​

The URL Field component offers extensive styling options to ensure it aligns with the application's design. Below are the key styling properties:

Size and Position​

  • Reset: Resets size and position settings to default.
  • Size:
    • Width & Height: Define the dimensions of the URL field.
    • Min Size: Minimum width and height (default: none).
    • Max Size: Maximum width and height (default: none).
  • Position:
    • Alignment: Left, right, top, bottom (default: left, top).
    • X Position: Horizontal offset from the edge.
    • Y Position: Vertical offset from the edge.
  • Z-Index: Specifies the stack order of the URL field (default: 0).
  • Fixed Position: Locks the URL field's position on the screen (default: OFF).
  • Hidden: Hides the URL field from view (default: OFF).

Border​

  • Reset: Resets border settings to default.
  • Options: Normal, On Hover.
    • Edges: Left, right, top, bottom, or all edges.
    • Type: None, hidden, dotted, dashed, solid, double, groove, ridge, inset, outset, initial, inherit (default: none).
    • Color: Hexadecimal color code with a color picker.
    • Width: Border width in pixels.
    • Radius: Corner radius for rounded edges (default: none).

Padding​

  • Reset: Resets padding settings to default.
  • Options: Normal, On Hover.
    • Sides: Left, right, top, bottom, or all edges.
    • Size: Padding size in pixels.

Label Font​

  • Reset: Resets label font settings to default.
  • Options: Normal, On Hover, On Focus.
    • Font Size: Pixels (default: 14).
    • Letter Spacing: Number expressed in em, px, or rem units.
    • Word Spacing: Number expressed in em, px, or rem units.
    • Line Height: Number expressed in em, px, or rem units.
    • Weight: Thin, light, extra light, normal, medium, semi-bold, bold, extra bold, black (default: normal).
    • Color: Hexadecimal color code with a color picker (default: none).

Answer Font​

  • Reset: Resets answer font settings to default.
  • Options: Normal, On Hover, On Focus.
    • Font Size: Pixels (default: 14).
    • Letter Spacing: Number expressed in em, px, or rem units.
    • Word Spacing: Number expressed in em, px, or rem units.
    • Line Height: Number expressed in em, px, or rem units.
    • Weight: Thin, light, extra light, normal, medium, semi-bold, bold, extra bold, black (default: normal).
    • Color: Hexadecimal color code with a color picker (default: none).

Input Field Border​

  • Reset: Resets input field border settings to default.
  • Options: Normal, On Hover, On Focus.
    • Edges: Left, right, top, bottom, or all edges.
    • Type: None, hidden, dotted, dashed, solid, double, groove, ridge, inset, outset, initial, inherit (default: none).
    • Color: Hexadecimal color code with a color picker.
    • Width: Border width in pixels.
    • Radius: Corner radius for rounded edges (default: none).

Overflow​

  • Reset: Resets overflow settings to default.
  • Options: Normal, On Hover, On Focus, When Active.
    • Overflow X: Controls horizontal overflow (visible, hidden, scroll, auto, initial, inherit).
    • Overflow Y: Controls vertical overflow (visible, hidden, scroll, auto, initial, inherit).

Input Field Background​

  • Reset: Resets background settings to default.
  • Options: Normal, On Hover, On Focus.
    • Color: Hexadecimal color code with a color picker.

4. Actions​

The URL Field component does not support any actions, as it is primarily used for input and validation.

5. Best Practices for UI/UX​

When and Why to Use​

  • Use the URL Field component to collect and validate web addresses in forms or applications.
  • Ideal for scenarios where valid URLs are critical, such as API integrations or external links.

Effective Scenarios​

  • Desktop: Use for forms requiring website links or callback URLs.
  • Tablet/Smartphone: Ensure the field is responsive and easy to interact with on smaller screens.

Tips for Optimal Use​

  • Use clear and concise labels to indicate the purpose of the field.
  • Provide helpful error messages to guide users when invalid URLs are entered.
  • Ensure the field is styled to match the application's overall design.

6. Security Considerations​

Potential Risks​

  • Input Validation: Ensure that user input is validated to prevent malicious URLs.
  • External Resources: Validate any external URLs to ensure they are trustworthy.

Best Practices​

  • Use input sanitization to prevent injection attacks.
  • Test the URL field's responsiveness and behavior across different devices and screen sizes.
  • Limit the maximum character count to avoid performance issues.