Get the content of the value attribute of the first matched element. Use caution when relying on this function to check the value of multiple-select elements and checkboxes in a form. While it will still work as intended, it may not accurately represent the value the server will receive because these elements may send an array of values. For more robust handling of field values, see the [http://www.malsup.com/jquery/form/#fields fieldValue function of the Form Plugin]. $("input").val(); "some text" <input type="text" value="some text"/> Set the value attribute of every matched element. Set the property to the specified value. $("input").val("test"); <input type="text" value="test"/> <input type="text" value="some text"/>