Last Updated : 05 Aug, 2025
The window.prompt() method in JavaScript is a built-in function that displays a dialog box prompting the user to input some text. This method is particularly useful for gathering simple user input in a straightforward manner.
Syntax
let result = window.prompt(message, defaultText);
In the above syntax
Now let's understand this with the help of example:
HTML
<html>
<head>
<title>Prompt() method</title>
</head>
<body style="text-align: center">
<h2>Window prompt() Method</h2>
<button onclick="geek()">
Click me!
</button>
<p id="g"></p>
<script>
function geek() {
let doc = prompt(
"Please enter some text",
"GeeksforGeeks"
);
if (doc != null) {
document.getElementById(
"g"
).innerHTML =
"Welcome to " + doc;
}
}
</script>
</body>
</html>
Output:
Javascript Window prompt() Method Example OutputIn this example
The window.prompt() method can accept a default text as the second argument. This is the text that will appear in the input field when the prompt is displayed. It helps to guide the user by providing a suggestion or default value that they can either accept or modify.
Syntax
let result = prompt("Please enter your name:", "Jiya");
In the above syntax
Now let's understand this with the help of example
HTML
<html>
<head>
<title>Prompt with Default Text</title>
</head>
<body style="text-align: center">
<h2>Prompt with Default Text Example</h2>
<button onclick="askUser()">Click Me!</button>
<p id="output"></p>
<script>
function askUser() {
let userName = prompt("Please enter your name:", "Guest");
if (userName != null && userName !== "") {
document.getElementById("output").innerHTML = `Hello, ${userName}!`;
}
else {
document.getElementById("output").innerHTML = "User canceled or didn't enter a name.";
}
}
</script>
</body>
</html>
Output
In this example
When using window.prompt() to collect input from the user, it's important to ensure that the input meets certain criteria. Input validation helps ensure the data collected is correct, complete, and useful.
HTML
<html>
<head>
<title>Email Validation</title>
</head>
<body style="text-align: center">
<h2>Enter Your Email Address</h2>
<button onclick="getEmail()">Submit</button>
<p id="output"></p>
<script>
function getEmail() {
let email = prompt("Please enter your email address:");
const emailPattern = /^[a-zA-Z0-9._-]+@[a-zA-Z0-9.-]+\.[a-zA-Z]{2,6}$/;
if (email != null && emailPattern.test(email)) {
document.getElementById("output").innerHTML = `Thank you! Your email is: ${email}`;
} else {
document.getElementById("output").innerHTML = "Please enter a valid email address.";
}
}
</script>
</body>
</html>
Output
In this example
If the limitations of prompt() are a concern, you might want to consider other alternatives for better control over user input:
The window.prompt() method is used in JavaScript to collect user input through a simple dialog box. It is often used for:
Note => The prompt() method returns the text entered by the user in the input field as a string. If the user cancels the dialog box, null is returned.
ConclusionWe have a complete list of HTML DOM methods, to check those please go through the DOM Complete Reference article.
The window.prompt() method is a simple way to collect user input in JavaScript, often used for gathering small pieces of data or user confirmations. While it offers basic features like default text and input validation, it has limitations such as blocking behavior and lack of customization. For more complex needs, alternatives like custom modals or HTML forms provide better control and flexibility.
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