[thelist] allowing for 'no selection' (was RE: clear form code)

[Sarah Adams]

>> If the form designer wants to allow for the possibility 
>> of having no options checked, checkboxes or a select list would be 
>> preferable.
> 
> Radio buttons are perfect for that: just include a 'no selection'
> button. This also allows for positive confirmation that the choice 'no
> selection' was made, rather than having to wonder (programmatically, of
> course) whether they meant 'no selection' or just missed it.

This was kind of my point (although perhaps poorly expressed). Since we 
were on the topic of using a Reset button because it would allow the 
user to clear a radio button selection, I wanted to point out that if a 
no-selection option were desired, checkboxes or a select box (with a 
size greater than 1) would be better, as they wouldn't require a Reset 
button to allow the user to undo checking an option.

That said, I agree that if the form designer wants to allow zero or one 
options, a radio group with a "none" option (or a select list with a 
size greater than 1 or with a "none" option) would work best.

-- 
sarah adams
web developer & programmer
portfolio: http://sarah.designshift.com
blog: http://hardedge.ca