Xamarin.Forms Text Input

Xamarin.Forms allows developers to create text input fields, such as Entry, Editor, and SearchBar, to allow users to enter text in their mobile application. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at how to use these text input controls in Xamarin.Forms.

Entry Control

The Entry control is used to allow users to enter a single line of text. It provides several properties and events that can be used to customize its behavior. Here's an example of how to create an Entry control in a Xamarin.Forms XAML file:

Syntax

<Entry Placeholder="Enter your name" />

Output

Explanation

The Placeholder property specifies the text that appears in the Entry control when it is empty. Users can tap on the Entry control to begin typing their input.

Use

Developers can programmatically access and manipulate the text entered by the user using the Entry.Text property. For example, you might use this property to validate the user's input and display an error message if necessary.

Editor Control

The Editor control is used to allow users to enter multiple lines of text. It provides similar properties and events as the Entry control but is designed for longer amounts of text.

Syntax

<Editor Placeholder="Enter your message"></Editor>

Output

Explanation

The Placeholder property specifies the text that appears when the Editor control is empty. Users can tap on the Editor control to begin typing their input.

Use

Developers can programmatically access and manipulate the text entered by the user using the Editor.Text property. For example, you might use this property to save the user's input to a database.

SearchBar Control

The SearchBar control is used to allow users to search for content within an app. It provides several properties and events that can be used to customize its behavior.

Syntax

<SearchBar Placeholder="Search for products" />

Output

Explanation

The Placeholder property specifies the text that appears in the SearchBar control when it is empty. Users can tap on the SearchBar control to begin typing their search query.

Use

Developers typically use the SearchBar control in conjunction with a search results page. When the user enters a search query and taps the search button, developers can perform a search and display the results on the search results page.

Important Points

• Entry, Editor, and SearchBar are text input controls available in Xamarin.Forms.
• Entry and Editor allow users to enter and edit text in a single line or multiple lines, respectively.
• SearchBar is used to allow users to search for content within an app.
• Developers can programmatically access and manipulate the text entered by the user using the Text property of each control.
• The Placeholder property specifies the text that appears in each control when it is empty.

Summary

Xamarin.Forms provides several controls for accepting text input from users. Developers can use Entry, Editor, and SearchBar controls to allow users to enter and search for text within an app. These controls provide properties and events that allow developers to customize their behavior and access the user's input programmatically.