Jquery Validate dropdown required if field empty

Question

I\'m trying to make the dropdown required if the #category field is empty.

Thanks!

JQUERY ATTEMPT #1:

$(\"#uploadDocsForm\").validate({
    r         


        

Answer 1

$("#uploadDocsForm").validate({
    rules: {
        name: {
            required: true,
            minlength: 2,
            maxlength: 255  
        },
        cat_id: {
            required: {
                depends: function(element) {
                    return $("#category").val() == '';
                }
            }
        }
    },
    messages: {
        name: 'Please enter a Document Name.',
        cat_id: 'Please select a Category.'
    }
});

The depends function now checks if the category element is filled, and if so the second is required. Otherwise it is optional (meaning can be filled).

Use Cases:

• Category filled, cat_id empty : invalid
• Category filled, cat_id filled : valid
• Category empty, cat_id empty : valid
• Category empty, cat_id filled : valid