How do I not allow typing in a text input field using jQuery?

Question

I am using the jQuery datepicker on a text input field and I don't want to let the user change any of the text in the text input box with the keyboard.

Here's my code:

$('#rush_needed_by_english').keydown(function() {
  //code to not allow any changes to be made to input field
});

How do I not allow keyboard typing in a text input field using jQuery?

Solution 1

$('#rush_needed_by_english').keydown(function() {
  //code to not allow any changes to be made to input field
  return false;
});

Solution 2

You could simply make the field read-only with:

$('#rush_needed_by_english').attr('readonly', 'readonly');

If you're using jQuery 1.6+, you should use the prop() method instead:

$('#rush_needed_by_english').prop('readOnly', true); 
// careful, the property name string 'readOnly' is case sensitive!

Or ditch jQuery and use plain JavaScript:

document.getElementById('rush_needed_by_english').readOnly = true;