How to Make TextField widget Read Only in Flutter App
Introduction
In mobile app development, it’s often necessary to display text to users without allowing them to edit it. In Flutter, the TextField widget is used for text input, but it can also be made read-only. In this article, we’ll explore how to make a TextField widget read-only in a Flutter app.
What is a TextField Widget?
A TextField widget in Flutter is a basic Material Design text field. It can be used to get user input, but it can also be used to display text. By default, a TextField widget is editable, but we can make it read-only by using certain properties.
Making a TextField Widget Read-Only
To make a TextField widget read-only, we need to use the `readOnly` property and set it to `true`. This will prevent the user from editing the text in the TextField. Here’s an example:
“`dart
TextField(
readOnly: true,
controller: TextEditingController(text: ‘Read-only text’),
)
“`
In this example, we’re creating a TextField widget and setting the `readOnly` property to `true`. We’re also using a TextEditingController to set the initial text.
Using enabled Property
Alternatively, you can use the `enabled` property to make the TextField widget read-only. However, this will also change the appearance of the TextField to indicate that it’s disabled.
“`dart
TextField(
enabled: false,
controller: TextEditingController(text: ‘Read-only text’),
)
“`
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a TextField widget read-only in a Flutter app is a simple process. By using the `readOnly` property, we can prevent the user from editing the text in the TextField. This can be useful in a variety of situations, such as when displaying data that shouldn’t be changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: How do I make a TextField widget read-only in Flutter?
A: You can make a TextField widget read-only by using the `readOnly` property and setting it to `true`.
2. Q: What’s the difference between `readOnly` and `enabled` properties?
A: The `readOnly` property only prevents the user from editing the text, while the `enabled` property also changes the appearance of the TextField to indicate that it’s disabled.
3. Q: Can I use a TextEditingController with a read-only TextField?
A: Yes, you can use a TextEditingController with a read-only TextField to set the initial text.
4. Q: How do I change the text in a read-only TextField?
A: You can change the text in a read-only TextField by using a TextEditingController and updating its text.
5. Q: Is it possible to make a TextField widget partially read-only?
A: No, a TextField widget is either fully editable or fully read-only. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using multiple TextField widgets or a different type of widget, such as a Text widget.
