Implement Custom Inline Error Message for Empty Search Field

[SylviaUzoh1]

Fixes

• Fixes [Feature] Custom Notification for Empty Search Field Instead of Browser's Native Modal #302 by @SylviaUzoh1

Description

This pull request addresses the issue where an empty search field caused the browser to display a native modal message that was inconsistent with the site's user experience. Instead of relying on the browser's default behavior, this PR introduces a custom inline error message to guide users to enter a search term in a more visually consistent and user-friendly manner.

Technical details

• JavaScript: Added a script that listens for the "Search" button click and search field input change. It checks if the search field is empty and displays a custom error message if needed. This prevents the default modal popup from the browser.
• HTML: Included a
  below the search field to display the error message when triggered.
• CSS: Styled the error message to match the site’s color scheme and typography for a seamless visual experience.

Tests

• Open the search page and leave the search field empty.
• Click the "Search" button and confirm that an error message appears below the search field saying "Please enter a search term." The input field is highlighted to draw attention.
• Enter a search term and verify that the error message disappears and the form is submitted correctly.
• Verify that no native browser alerts appear when clicking the "Search" button.

Screenshots

Before:

After:

Checklist

• My pull request has a descriptive title (not a vague title like Update index.md).
• My pull request targets the default branch of the repository (main or master).
• My commit messages follow best practices.
• My code follows the established code style of the repository.
• I added or updated tests for the changes I made (if applicable).
• I added or updated documentation (if applicable).
• I tried running the project locally and verified that there are no
  visible errors.

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[possumbilities]

@SylviaUzoh1 this is looking good so far! the message itself should display for the input on all screen sizes, not just smaller sizes. Was there a reason you only included it on smaller screen sizes?

[SylviaUzoh1]

@SylviaUzoh1 this is looking good so far! the message itself should display for the input on all screen sizes, not just smaller sizes. Was there a reason you only included it on smaller screen sizes?

@possumbilities, the initial implementation targeted smaller screens to keep the error message close to the input field. I've now updated it to display across all screen sizes for consistency and a better user experience.

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to adjust!