escape()

Deprecated
This feature has been removed from the Web standards. Though some browsers may still support it, it is in the process of being dropped. Avoid using it and update existing code if possible; see the compatibility table at the bottom of this page to guide your decision. Be aware that this feature may cease to work at any time.

The deprecated escape() function computes a new string in which certain characters have been replaced by a hexadecimal escape sequence.

Syntax

escape(str)

Parameters

str
A string to be encoded.

Return value

A new string in which certain characters have been escaped.

Description

The escape function is a property of the global object. Special characters are encoded with the exception of: @*_+-./

The hexadecimal form for characters, whose code unit value is 0xFF or less, is a two-digit escape sequence: %xx. For characters with a greater code unit, the four-digit format %uxxxx is used.

Examples

escape('abc123');     // "abc123"
escape('äöü');        // "%E4%F6%FC"
escape('ć');          // "%u0107"
// special characters
escape('@*_+-./');    // "@*_+-./"

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
ECMAScript 1st Edition (ECMA-262) Standard Initial definition.
ECMAScript 5.1 (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'escape' in that specification.
Standard Defined in the (informative) Compatibility Annex B
ECMAScript 2015 (6th Edition, ECMA-262)
The definition of 'escape' in that specification.
Standard Defined in the (normative) Annex B for Additional ECMAScript Features for Web Browsers
ECMAScript Latest Draft (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'escape' in that specification.
Living Standard Defined in the (normative) Annex B for Additional ECMAScript Features for Web Browsers

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Edge Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)
Feature Android Chrome for Android Edge Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)

See also

Document Tags and Contributors

 Last updated by: stevenwdv,