figure - shows part of the source code generated for another message' view pagethe hidden input fields used to pass selected mail state information are embedded near the top the net effect is that hidden input fields in htmljust like parameters at the end of generated urlsact like temporary storage areas and retain state between pages and user interaction steps both are the web' simplest equivalent to programming language variables they come in handy anytime your application needs to remember something between pages hidden fields are especially useful if you cannot invoke the next script from generated url hyperlink with parameters for instancethe next action in our script is form submit button (next)not hyperlinkso hidden fields are used to pass state as beforewithout these hidden fieldsusers would need to reenter pop account details somewhere on the view page if they were needed by the next script (in our examplethey are required if the next action is deletereading pop email