HTML Buttons (`<button>` vs `<input type="button">`

Buttons are essential in web development for user interactions, such as submitting forms, triggering actions, and navigating pages. HTML provides two primary ways to create buttons:

• The <button> element
• The <input type="button"> element

Although both serve similar functions, they have key differences that impact styling, behavior, and usage. This article will explore these differences and help you choose the best option for your project.

1. The <button> Element

Syntax:

<button>Click Me</button>

Key Features:

✅ Supports text and HTML content inside the button.
✅ Can be styled using CSS.
✅ Supports different types like submit, reset, and button.
✅ Can contain icons, images, and other elements.

Example:

<button onclick="alert('Button clicked!')">Click Me</button>

In this example, clicking the button triggers a JavaScript alert.

Types of <button>

<form>
  <button type="submit">Submit</button>  <!-- Submits the form -->
  <button type="reset">Reset</button>    <!-- Resets the form -->
  <button type="button">Click Me</button>  <!-- Just a button, no default behavior -->
</form>

The default type for <button> is submit, which submits the form unless specified otherwise.

2. The <input type="button"> Element

Syntax:

<input type="button" value="Click Me">

Key Features:

✅ Simple and lightweight.
✅ Only supports plain text (cannot contain HTML or other elements).
✅ Can be styled with CSS, but is less flexible.
✅ Always behaves as a button type (does not submit or reset forms).

Example:

<input type="button" value="Click Me" onclick="alert('Button clicked!')">

This button also triggers a JavaScript alert when clicked.

3. Key Differences Between <button> and <input type="button">

4. When to Use Each?

✅ Use <button> when:

• You need rich content inside the button (icons, images, or formatted text).
• The button should have submit or reset behavior in a form.
• You want more flexibility in styling and customization.

✅ Use <input type="button"> when:

• You need a simple, lightweight button with plain text.
• You do not need to submit or reset a form.
• The design is minimal, and you don’t need advanced styling.

5. Example: Styled Buttons

Using <button>

<button class="btn">Click Me</button>

<style>
  .btn {
    background-color: blue;
    color: white;
    padding: 10px 20px;
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
  }
</style>

Using <input type="button">

<input type="button" value="Click Me" class="btn">

The styling is similar, but <button> allows adding an icon or additional content.

6. Conclusion

Both <button> and <input type="button"> have their uses. If you need a flexible, feature-rich button, go with <button>. If you only need a simple clickable button with no extra styling or behavior, <input type="button"> might be sufficient.

Quick Takeaway:

• For most cases, <button> is preferred due to its flexibility and better customization.
• Use <input type="button"> when you need a basic, no-frills button.

Understanding the differences will help you build better, more user-friendly web applications.

Further Reading

1. MDN Web Docs - <button>
2. MDN Web Docs - <input>