Using Python urlencode for Query Strings

General Discussions
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1

How to use Python urlencode for a query string?

I need to URL encode a query string before submitting it. Here’s the example I’m working with:

queryString = 'eventName=' + evt.fields["eventName"] + '&' + 'eventDescription=' + evt.fields["eventDescription"]

How can I efficiently apply Python urlencode to handle this?

2

Hi there! If you’re using Python 3, you’re in luck because urllib.parse.urlencode is perfect for this. Here’s how you can handle it:

import urllib.parse

params = {'eventName': 'myEvent', 'eventDescription': 'cool event'}
encoded_query = urllib.parse.urlencode(params)
print(encoded_query)
# Output: eventName=myEvent&eventDescription=cool+event

This method ensures your query string is URL-friendly. Spaces are replaced with +, which is standard behavior for python urlencode. It’s a clean and straightforward way to get the job done!

3

Hey, Joe’s method is spot on, but let me add to it! If your query string already exists as a plain string or contains special characters, you might want to try urllib.parse.quote_plus. This handles special encoding like a charm:

import urllib.parse

query = 'eventName=myEvent&eventDescription=cool event'
encoded_query = urllib.parse.quote_plus(query)
print(encoded_query)
# Output: eventName%3DmyEvent%26eventDescription%3Dcool+event

This is super useful when you’re dealing with a key-value formatted string and still need to apply python urlencode for special character handling. Just a handy tool to keep in your pocket!

4

Great points, Joe and Ian! I’ll chime in for those who might still be working with legacy Python 2 codebases. While Python 2 is outdated, you can use urllib.urlencode for similar functionality:

import urllib

params = {'eventName': 'myEvent', 'eventDescription': 'cool event'}
encoded_query = urllib.urlencode(params)
print(encoded_query)
# Output: eventName=myEvent&eventDescription=cool+event

This works the same as python urlencode in Python 3 but is designed for Python 2. Of course, migrating to Python 3 is recommended, but this might come in handy for maintaining older projects!