passwordInput

passwordInput refers to a user interface control used to collect passwords from users. Its primary purpose is to obscure the actual characters entered to protect sensitive credentials from being observed by others during entry and transit. In web interfaces, this is most commonly implemented with an input element of type password. Native mobile and desktop frameworks provide analogous controls, often labeled as password fields or secure text entry.

Attributes commonly associated with password input include autocomplete hints (for example current-password or new-password) to aid password managers, as well as constraints such as maxlength and required. Some implementations offer a show or reveal toggle to switch between masked and plain text, improving usability while preserving security when needed. Proper focus management and labeling are essential for accessibility; each password input should be associated with a visible label, and assistive technology should expose the control's purpose. When relevant, aria attributes and error messaging should describe validation results clearly.

Security and privacy considerations are central to password input. Passwords should be transmitted only over secure connections (HTTPS), and authentication should be implemented server-side with proper hashing and salting. Client-side validation can enhance user feedback but should not be relied upon for security. Do not log plaintext passwords, and implement protections against brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks, such as rate limiting and multi-factor authentication.

See also: password field, authentication, input element, password managers.