Difference between escape(), encodeURI(), encodeURIComponent()

Question

In JavaScript, what is the difference between these?

1. escape() / unescape()
2. encodeuri() / decodeuri()

Answer 1

First of all - Escape is deprecated and shouldn't be used.

encodeURI()

You should use this when you want to encode a URL, it encodes symbols that is not allowed in a URL.

encodeURIComponent()

Should be used when you want to encode parameters of your URL, You can also use this to encode a whole URL. But you would have to decode it in order to use it again.

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I'd say this a duplicate. Here's a good answer on SO - Credits goes to Arne Evertsson: When are you supposed to use escape instead of encodeURI / encodeURIComponent?

There's a lot of details on why/why not on that topic.