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The deprecated escape() function computes a new string in which certain characters have been replaced by a hexadecimal escape sequence.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