hyperlink in user entered text area

[ldpayne]

I am trying to create a text area where the user can enter information which may include a url. If they enter a URL such as

http://www.yahoo.com,

I need to convert it to a clickable hyperlink. I am using ASP.NET MVC and jQuery. I understand I cannot use a <textarea> and have read where I need to use a <div> instead, but I am new to this so I need a bit more information. How do I use a <div> to accomplish this? Any help with pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ldpayne]

I basically need it to work exactly like this web site does! I entered in text which included a URL, and it converted it to a clickable link.

 

[jmeckley]

textarea is for input. if this is read-only text then you would use a div/span/p to contain the text. you need to parse the text, find the urls and convert them to links. this can be done on the server (.net) or the client (js).

depending on where you do the conversion will depend on which forum is best suited to answer the question.

Jason Meckley
Programmer

faq855-7190
faq732-7259

 

[ldpayne]

Ok - thanks Jason. That clears up my confusion about everyone saying to use the <div> instead of <textarea>. I didn't see how that could possibly work!