How to Use jQuery Date Range Picker and Restore Selected Range, After Site Refresh?

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Have you ever encountered the frustration of selecting a date range on a website, only to have it reset after refreshing the page? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will guide you on how to use a jQuery date range picker and ensure that your selected range is preserved even after refreshing the site. So, let’s dive in and make your user experience seamless and hassle-free!

When it comes to designing an interactive website, incorporating a date range picker can greatly enhance the user experience. A date range picker allows users to select a specific range of dates, making it ideal for applications such as hotel reservations, event bookings, or sales reports. However, one common challenge that developers face is how to retain the selected date range even after the site is refreshed.

In this article, we will explore the implementation of a jQuery date range picker and provide you with effective techniques to restore the selected range after a site refresh. So, let’s get started!

Understanding jQuery Date Range Picker

Before we delve into the technicalities, let’s take a moment to understand what a date range picker is and why it is beneficial to use jQuery for this purpose. A date range picker is a user interface component that allows users to select a range of dates conveniently. By using jQuery, a popular JavaScript library, we can simplify the process of creating a date range picker through its extensive set of functions and plugins.

The ability to preserve the selected date range after a site refresh is crucial for providing a seamless user experience. Imagine a scenario where a user spends time selecting specific dates for their hotel reservation, only to lose their selection when the page is refreshed. By implementing the techniques we will discuss, you can ensure that your users’ efforts are not in vain.

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Implementing the jQuery Date Range Picker

Now that we understand the significance of using a jQuery date range picker, let’s dive into the implementation process. We will guide you step-by-step on how to integrate the date range picker into your website.

Step 1: Including the jQuery Library

To begin, make sure you have the latest version of the jQuery library. You can either download it from the official jQuery website or use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to include it in your HTML file. Here’s an example of including jQuery using a CDN:

<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.6.0/jquery.min.js"></script>

Step 2: Adding the Date Range Picker Plugin

Next, you need to include the date range picker plugin. There are various plugins available for this purpose, such as “daterangepicker” or “jquery-date-range-picker”. You can choose the one that best suits your requirements. Make sure to download the plugin and include it in your project directory.

<script src="path/to/jquery.date-range-picker.plugin.js"></script>

Step 3: HTML Markup

Now, let’s create the necessary HTML structure for the date range picker. Start by adding an input field to display the selected date range. You can also add a button or an icon to trigger the date range picker.

<input type="text" id="dateRange" readonly>
<button id="datePickerBtn">Select Range</button>

Step 4: Initializing the Date Range Picker

In this step, we will initialize the date range picker using jQuery. This involves selecting the input field and invoking the date range picker plugin with the desired configuration options.

$(document).ready(function() {
  $('#dateRange').dateRangePicker({
    // Configuration options
  });
});

Step 5: Customizing the Date Range Picker

You can further customize the date range picker according to your needs. The plugin provides various options to control the appearance, format, and behavior of the date picker. For example, you can specify the date format, enable/disable specific date ranges, or define custom callback functions.

$(document).ready(function() {
  $('#dateRange').dateRangePicker({
    format: 'YYYY-MM-DD',
    startDate: '2023-01-01',
    endDate: '2023-12-31',
    // More options...
  });
});

Restoring Selected Range after Site Refresh

Now that we have successfully implemented the jQuery date range picker, let’s focus on preserving the selected date range even after the site is refreshed. This is a crucial aspect to ensure a seamless user experience.

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Approach 1: Using Browser Storage (localStorage)

One approach to restoring the selected range is by utilizing the browser’s storage capabilities. We can save the selected range in the browser’s localStorage object and retrieve it when the page is refreshed. Here’s an example of how to achieve this:

$(document).ready(function() {
  var dateRangePicker = $('#dateRange');

  // Check if the selected range is stored in localStorage
  if (localStorage.getItem('selectedRange')) {
    dateRangePicker.val(localStorage.getItem('selectedRange'));
  }

  // Update localStorage when the range changes
  dateRangePicker.on('change', function() {
    localStorage.setItem('selectedRange', dateRangePicker.val());
  });
});

In this approach, we store the selected range in the “selectedRange” key of the localStorage object. Whenever the range changes, we update the stored value accordingly. Upon page refresh, we retrieve the stored range and apply it to the date range picker input field.

Approach 2: Using URL Parameters

Another approach is to store the selected range as URL parameters. This method allows users to bookmark or share the URL, retaining the selected range information. Here’s an example of how to implement this approach:

$(document).ready(function() {
  var dateRangePicker = $('#dateRange');
  var urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);

  // Check if the selected range is present in URL parameters
  if (urlParams.has('selectedRange')) {
    dateRangePicker.val(urlParams.get('selectedRange'));
  }

  // Update URL parameters when the range changes
  dateRangePicker.on('change', function() {
    var selectedRange = dateRangePicker.val();
    var baseUrl = window.location.href.split('?')[0];
    var updatedUrl = baseUrl + '?selectedRange=' + selectedRange;
    history.replaceState({}, '', updatedUrl);
  });
});

In this approach, we utilize the URLSearchParams API to retrieve and update URL parameters. We check if the “selectedRange” parameter exists in the URL, and if so, apply it to the date range picker input field. Whenever the range changes, we update the URL parameter and modify the browser history using the history.replaceState() method.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use the jQuery date range picker with different date formats?
A: Absolutely! The date range picker plugin provides options to customize the date format according to your preference. Simply specify the desired format in the configuration options.

Q: Are there any alternatives to jQuery for implementing a date range picker?
A: Yes, there are alternatives available such as Bootstrap Datepicker, Flatpickr, and fullCalendar. These libraries offer similar functionality and can be used based on your project requirements.

Q: Can I use multiple date range pickers on the same page?
A: Yes, you can use multiple instances of the date range picker on a single page. Simply assign different IDs to the input fields and initialize each picker separately.

Q: Is it possible to disable specific dates or date ranges in the date picker?
A: Absolutely! The date range picker plugin provides options to disable specific dates or date ranges. This can be useful for scenarios such as blocking out unavailable dates or restricting selections based on certain criteria.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now learned how to effectively use a jQuery date range picker and ensure that the selected range is preserved even after refreshing the site. By following the step-by-step implementation guide and utilizing the techniques discussed, you can provide your users with a seamless and convenient date selection experience.

Remember, incorporating a date range picker enhances the usability of your website, especially for applications involving date-based interactions. By retaining the selected range, you save users from the frustration of having to reselect their desired dates, improving their overall satisfaction.

So, why wait? Implement the jQuery date range picker with the ability to restore selected ranges and elevate your website’s user experience to new heights!

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