Question

For example we have html input with value=”wally”:

<input type="text" value="wally" />

How to get this old “wally” value (using jQuery) after user change it?

I tried to get it with .attr(), .prop(), .val() but all of them return the new value, which user entered.

You may test the code on jsfiddle. Try to change input value and click “get” blue button.

P.S. jQuery 1.7.2 included into the jsfiddle.

Answer 1

Use defaultValue of the underlying DOM element:

var input = $(this).closest('form').find('input');
console.log(input[0].defaultValue);

Updated fiddle

And of course, if you’re using jQuery 1.6 or higher, you can use prop('defaultValue') for that (and in earlier versions, attr('defaultValue') probably works):

var input = $(this).closest('form').find('input');
console.log(input.prop('defaultValue'));

Updated fiddle