Box not filled in

[NZ_Kiwis]

I want a code so when a textbox has no text in it and a user click the submit button it pops up saying you have not filled in the box!!!

i need to code to be able to have a number of boxes that need information

[bradgrafelman]

<script type="text/javascript">

function checkIt() {

     f = document.theForm;

     if(f.whatever.value == '' || f.etc.value == '') {
          alert('Error: You must fill out all required fields.');
          return false;
     } else return true;

}
</script>
<form name="theForm" onsubmit="return checkIt()">
<textarea name="whatever"></textarea>
<input type="text" name="etc" />
</form>