TimeField
This class is a Field component, and inherits its features and behaviors. For an overview of Field properties, events, and other important information, please refer to the Field documentation.
TimeField
is a user interface component that allows users to input or select times. It provides an intuitive and efficient way to handle time-related information in various applications. This section outlines the best practices for using the TimeField
component effectively.
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Usages
The TimeField
is best used in scenarios where capturing or manipulating time values is crucial to the user interface or application functionality. Here are some examples of when to use the TimeField
:
-
Event Scheduling and Calendars: Time fields are essential in applications that involve event scheduling, appointment booking, or managing calendars where precise time selection is required.
-
Time Tracking and Logging: Applications that involve time tracking, such as timesheet management or logging work hours, require Time fields to capture accurate time entries.
-
Reminders and Alarms: If your application involves setting reminders or alarms that require specific times, using a
TimeField
simplifies the input process for users. -
Meeting or Event Invitations: When designing applications that involve meeting or event invitations, a
TimeField
enables users to specify event start times or deadlines accurately.
The TimeField
class provides a user interface component that allows the user to enter both a time; hours, minutes, and optionally seconds. The value of the time field is always in 24-hour format that includes leading zeros: HH:mm, regardless of the UI field format, which is likely to be selected based on the user's locale (or by the user agent). If the time includes seconds, the format is always HH:mm:ss
Maximum and minimum
You can use the setMax()
and setMin()
methods to specify the acceptable time range. If the value entered into the component is outside of the specified value, the component fails constraint validation. Also, if there is already a maximum or minimum set, the value given to the other method must be lower or higher respectively.
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- Java
Display
The TimeField
will, by default, display its information within the UI element based on the locale the browser is configured to. For example, users with United States configurations will see the time displayed with A.M. and P.M. labels, whereas other locales would see the time in 24 hour format. This does not inhibit manipulation of the LocalTime
object returned by methods from the class, however.
When displaying time, the seconds will display by default. However, if the component is given a LocaleTime
object with the seconds set to 0, the seconds are then hidden from the display.
Static utilities
The TimeField
class also provides the following static utility methods:
-
fromTime(String timeAsString)
: Convert a time string in HH:mm:ss format to a LocalTime object which can then be utilized with this class, or elsewhere. -
toTime(LocalTime time)
: Convert a LocalTime to a time string in HH:mm:ss format. -
isValidTime(String timeAsString)
: Check if the given string is a valid HH:mm:ss time. This will return a boolean value true if so, false otherwise.
Best practices
-
Provide Clear Time Format Examples: Clearly indicate the expected time format to users within or near the
TimeField
. Use examples or placeholders to guide users in entering time correctly. Consider displaying the time format dynamically based on the user's locale if applicable. -
Consider Accessibility: Utilize the
TimeField
component with accessibility in mind, ensuring it meets accessibility standards such as providing proper labels, sufficient color contrast, and compatibility with assistive technologies. -
Include Clear Time Clearing Option: Enable users to clear the selected time easily if needed, providing a way to reset the
TimeField
to an empty state.