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  Polydojo Support


2.80.

(Misc) What are Forms & Form Builders? (3 mins)

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The Lifeblood Of The Internet

Forms are exactly what you think they are. They are (online) documents that can be filled-up and submitted. But have you ever wondered: What would the Internet be like, without forms?

Without forms, there would be no way for your business to communicate with customers and prospects. Forms are the lifeblood of the Internet. We use them to:

  • Sign up for conferences and events.
  • Ask vendors for quotes and information.
  • Ask for assistance from IT and support teams.
  • Post statuses on social media and collaboration sites.
  • RSVP to invitations.
  • Apply for jobs and/or tenders.
  • Claim reimbursements for expenses made on behalf of the company.
  • In fact, the article you are reading was created by submitting a form!

A form-free Internet would be a very boring place indeed. So yes, while forms are indeed documents that can be filled-up and submitted; they are also perhaps the most pivotal part of the Internet.

Forms Have A Lot In Common

Think of a job application form that you might once have filled. Now, think of an event registration form that you might have filled recently. Can you think of any similarities between these forms?

Applying for a job and registering for an event are not the same thing. However, the forms used for job applications and event registrations have quite a bit in common. They may both ask for your:

  • Name
  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Street Address
  • Availability Dates
  • How did you hear about us?
  • Comments/Suggestions

And of course, certain questions on the job application form would not show-up on an event registration form; and vice-versa. Nonetheless, one cannot deny, that both forms have similarities.

Similarities Facilitate Automation

Traditionally, forms were built by web developers. The HTML code for each form is written by hand. So when your company needs to build a form, you would contact a web development studio.

However, because all forms have common elements; and because each form is essentially a list of questions; it is possible to automate the process of building forms. No need to write HTML by hand!

A Form Is Just A List of Fields

Questions on a form are referred to as fields. And in essence, a form is just a list of questions! Given this simple description, its clear that automating the process of form building shouldn't be too tough.

What are Form Builders?

A form builder is a tool allows you to build forms without writing a single line of code. It is aware of common form fields; and can thus offer a drag-and-drop interface for form building. There is no need for you to know HTML, as the form builder fully automates all code-related aspects.

Form builders should be judged on three major criteria:

  • 1. Simplicity (Ease of the drag-and-drop interface.)
  • 2. Versatility (Range of built-in field types: File Uploads, Signatures, Markdown etc.)

The first one is rather obvious. The easier the drag-and-drop interface, the better the form builder. The second one is more subtle. Greater the number of built-in form fields, more versatile the form builder.

Here's why versatility is important:

  • If the form builder doesn't support file uploads, how will job applicants upload their resumes?
  • If it doesn't support Signatures, how fill your bosses place their signatures on approved items?
  • If it doesn't support Youtube, how will you add your "How to fill this form" instructional video?

Build Your First Form Now!

Polydojo includes over 30 different types of form fields; including File Uploads, Signatures, Youtube (and other) Video Embeds, MCQs and more. Interested? Sign up for an account!

Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected]. We'll be more than glad to assist you. There are no silly questions, so please don't hesitate to contact us.