When a user enters data into an online form and before they submit it, the data is typically stored temporarily in the computer's short-term storage, specifically in the browser's memory such as Session Storage or RAM.
- Session Storage is a web storage mechanism provided by browsers that stores data temporarily for the duration of the page session (i.e., as long as the browser tab or window is open). It allows quick access and modification of form data, and the data is cleared once the tab or window is closed. This makes it ideal for temporarily holding form inputs before submission
- On the computer hardware level, the data is held in RAM (Random Access Memory) , which is the primary short-term memory used by the CPU to process and temporarily store data actively being used, including unsaved form inputs. RAM is volatile, so the data is lost when the power is off or the session ends
- Additionally, some applications or websites may use other temporary storage methods like variables in the app, or localStorage (which persists beyond the session until cleared), but for purely temporary data before form submission, session storage and RAM are the primary storage types used
In summary, before submission, user-entered data in an online form is stored temporarily in the browser's Session Storage and in the computer's RAM , allowing quick access and modification until the form is submitted or the session ends.
