URL Encoding for Query Strings
Learn how to properly URL encode query string parameters. Handle spaces, ampersands, and special characters in URLs correctly.
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URL encoding ensures special characters in query strings are transmitted correctly and don't break your URLs.
Why Encode Query Strings?
Characters like &, =, and spaces have special meaning in URLs. Encoding converts them to safe representations (%20 for space, %26 for &, etc.).
encodeURIComponent vs encodeURI
Use encodeURIComponent() for query parameters - it encodes everything except A-Z, a-z, 0-9, - _ . ~. Use encodeURI() for full URLs to preserve structure.
Common Encoding Issues
Double encoding (encoding already-encoded strings) and not encoding user input are common bugs. Always validate and encode user-provided data.
Summary
Test your URL encoding with our free online URL Encoder/Decoder tool.