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javascriptspringresthttpw3c

Syntax or format for URL location.search

Is there a syntax/format specified for the "search" part of the URL?

Is it alright to use like ?id!=123&(name=foo|name=bar)?
Would this work in javascript/Spring framework or do I need to write a custom parser?

Solution

  • Is there a syntax/format specified for the "search" part of the URL?

    Yes. The production rules for the query part are specified in RFC 3986. I often find it is easier to look at the entire collection of production rules, which are grouped together in appendix A

    query         = *( pchar / "/" / "?" )

pchar         = unreserved / pct-encoded / sub-delims / ":" / "@"

unreserved    = ALPHA / DIGIT / "-" / "." / "_" / "~"
pct-encoded   = "%" HEXDIG HEXDIG
   
sub-delims    = "!" / "$" / "&" / "'" / "(" / ")"
              / "*" / "+" / "," / ";" / "="

    Is it alright to use like ?id!=123&(name=foo|name=bar)?

    The VERTICAL LINE is contrary to the standard; so you should percent encode it

    ?id!=123&(name=foo%7Cname=bar)

    That should be fine.

    I would be stunned if this did "just work" everywhere. We have standards for that very reason.