[whatwg] Add <input> "Switch" Type

[Michael Zajac]

There is certainly a semantic difference between switches and checkboxes. As much of a difference as between buttons and links.

A checkbox is part of a checklist, something you use to indicate or track the states of things. You put a series of checkmarks on a form, then bring it to the reception desk. 

A switch, like a button, is a mechanical control that actuates something. You flick a switch to turn the light on.

Technically, a switch could be implemented as a styled checkbox with JavaScript attached. But as a website visitor, I would rather not deal with a dozen websites offering a dozen different switch appearances and behaviours attached to mousedown, mouseup, click, tap, drag, and swipe.

MZ.

--
Michael Zajac
http://zajac.ca/
+1-204-943-6596



On 2013-11-19, at 8:39, Anne van Kesteren <annevk at annevk.nl> wrote:

> On Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 2:25 PM, Domenic Denicola
> <domenic at domenicdenicola.com> wrote:
>> "Use a toggle switch for binary settings when changes become effective immediately after the user changes them."
>> 
>> "Use a checkbox when the user has to perform extra steps for changes to be effective."
> 
> On the other hand, we have these two type of experiences on the web
> already and they are not limited to checkboxes. Introducing different
> controls for effectively the same action with the only difference
> being whether you need to hit submit seems somewhat contrived.
> 
> 
> -- 
> http://annevankesteren.nl/