Best way to convert a unicode url to ascii utf 8 percent escaped in python

When working with URLs in Python, it is common to come across situations where you need to convert a Unicode URL to ASCII UTF-8 percent escaped format. This conversion is necessary to ensure compatibility and proper handling of special characters in URLs.

Option 1: Using urllib.parse.quote()

The urllib.parse module in Python provides a quote() function that can be used to percent-encode special characters in a URL. To convert a Unicode URL to ASCII UTF-8 percent escaped format, you can simply pass the URL string to the quote() function.

import urllib.parse

unicode_url = "https://www.example.com/unicode_url/öäü"
ascii_url = urllib.parse.quote(unicode_url)

print(ascii_url)

This will output:

https%3A//www.example.com/unicode_url/%C3%B6%C3%A4%C3%BC

Option 2: Using requests.utils.quote()

If you are already using the requests library in your Python project, you can take advantage of the quote() function provided by the requests.utils module. This function works similarly to urllib.parse.quote() and can be used to convert a Unicode URL to ASCII UTF-8 percent escaped format.

import requests.utils

unicode_url = "https://www.example.com/unicode_url/öäü"
ascii_url = requests.utils.quote(unicode_url)

print(ascii_url)

This will output the same result as Option 1:

https%3A//www.example.com/unicode_url/%C3%B6%C3%A4%C3%BC

Option 3: Using urllib.parse.urlencode()

If you want to convert not just the special characters, but the entire URL to ASCII UTF-8 percent escaped format, you can use the urlencode() function from the urllib.parse module. This function takes a dictionary of URL parameters and converts them to a URL-encoded string.

import urllib.parse

unicode_url = "https://www.example.com/unicode_url/öäü"
params = {"url": unicode_url}
ascii_url = urllib.parse.urlencode(params)

print(ascii_url)

This will output:

url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.example.com%2Funicode_url%2F%C3%B6%C3%A4%C3%BC

After evaluating the three options, the best way to convert a Unicode URL to ASCII UTF-8 percent escaped format in Python is Option 1: Using urllib.parse.quote(). This option is simple, straightforward, and does not require any additional libraries. It provides the desired output with minimal code.

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20 Responses

  1. I personally prefer option 2: Using requests.utils.quote(). It just feels more… rebellious, you know? 💥🤘

    1. Hmm, I respectfully disagree. I believe option 2 is the way to go. Option 3 may be efficient, but it lacks flexibility. Plus, option 2 ensures compatibility across different platforms. Just my two cents!

  2. Option 1: urllib.parse.quote() seems reliable, but Option 3: urllib.parse.urlencode() sounds intriguing. Thoughts?

  3. Option 3 seems like the way to go, but Option 1 has its quirks too. Who knew URLs could be so complicated? 🤷‍♂️

    1. Personally, I think Option 1 is the obvious choice. Its practical and straightforward. Option 2 might have that cool factor, but it seems more like a hassle to me. Why complicate things when you can go for the easier option?

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