Fastest (javascript/jquery) Way To Track Changes In A Large Input Form

Since Javascript performance can possibly get intensive on large input forms, what is the cleanest and fastest way to track and mark changes to the input fields? The project is us

Solution 1:

You can use MVVM pattern.

I would recommend Knockout.

Solution 2:

One simple method that you can put to use immediately is to use an object to hold your tracking instead of multiple hidden inputs. Multiple hidden inputs will only double up your form elements and slow down. Later on you can learn and move to libraries which will wire-up everything for you out-of-box.

Something like this:

// initialize at the startvar tracker = newObject;

$('input.formfield').each(function() {
    tracker[$(this).attr('id')] = false;
});

// and then later on

$(".track").on("change", function() {
    tracker[$(this).attr('id')] = true;
});

You first initialize the object with same property names as the form input ids and make them false. Then on any change, simply flip the corresponding property. Once done, you can simply pass this object to your server-side code or check before submitting.

Check this fiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/VbVyp/3/

And yes, thousands of form-fields may not be a good idea irrespective of what library you use. Implement wizard like paging.

Solution 3:

You can see the following jquery library to track changes. https://github.com/shashankshetty/FormChangeTracker