difference between Html.HiddenFor & HiddenInput attribute

Question

HiddenFor description is: Returns an HTML hidden input element for each property in the object that is represented by the specified expression.

I read that it is useful for fields in your Model/ViewModel that you need to persist on the page and have passed back when another call is made but shouldn't be seen by the user.

HiddenInput description is: Represents an attribute that is used to indicate whether a property or field value should be rendered as a hidden input element.

Can you please tell me when is HiddenInput useful? and when to use it instead of Html.HiddenFor?

Thanks!

Answer 1

HiddenFor is determined by the view - the view creates a Hidden input value from any element of the viewmodel or data.

HiddenInput is an attribute on a field in the (view)model - which means that it can be used across multiple views and indicates that this field should be hidden wherever it is rendered by an EditorFor helper