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How do I validate a Bootstrap input group with custom error messages using JavaScript?

Asked on Oct 18, 2025

Answer

To validate a Bootstrap input group with custom error messages using JavaScript, you can utilize Bootstrap's form validation classes and JavaScript to dynamically display error messages. Here's a simple example to get you started.
<!-- BEGIN COPY / PASTE -->
        <form id="myForm" class="needs-validation" novalidate>
            <div class="input-group mb-3">
                <input type="text" class="form-control" id="username" placeholder="Username" required>
                <div class="invalid-feedback">
                    Please enter a valid username.
                </div>
            </div>
            <button class="btn btn-primary" type="submit">Submit</button>
        </form>

        <script>
            (function() {
                'use strict';
                var form = document.getElementById('myForm');
                form.addEventListener('submit', function(event) {
                    if (!form.checkValidity()) {
                        event.preventDefault();
                        event.stopPropagation();
                    }
                    form.classList.add('was-validated');
                }, false);
            })();
        </script>
        <!-- END COPY / PASTE -->
Additional Comment:
  • The `novalidate` attribute on the form prevents the default browser validation, allowing custom validation.
  • The `needs-validation` class is used to style the form for validation.
  • The `was-validated` class is added to the form after submission to show validation feedback.
  • The `invalid-feedback` div provides a custom error message when the input is invalid.
  • JavaScript checks the form's validity and prevents submission if invalid, displaying the custom error message.
✅ Answered with Bootstrap 5 best practices.
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