JavaScript URL Encoding
Compare encodeURI() and encodeURIComponent() behavior. encodeURIComponent encodes more characters and is used for URL parameters, while encodeURI preserves URL structure.
URL Encoding Reference
encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent
encodeURIComponent: Encodes all special characters including /, ?, &, =, #. Use for encoding URL parameter values.
encodeURI: Preserves URL structure characters (/, ?, &, =, #, :). Use for encoding entire URLs while keeping them valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURI() preserves characters that are part of URL syntax (://?#), while encodeURIComponent() encodes everything except A-Z a-z 0-9 - _ . ~. Use encodeURIComponent for URL parameter values.
Which should I use in JavaScript?
Use encodeURIComponent() for encoding individual URL parameters. Use encodeURI() only when encoding a complete URL and you want to preserve its structure.