url-parse vs query-string vs url-parse-lax vs url-search-params-polyfill
URL Parsing and Query String Libraries Comparison
Search packages..
1 Year
url-parsequery-stringurl-parse-laxurl-search-params-polyfillSimilar Packages:
What's URL Parsing and Query String Libraries?

These libraries are designed to facilitate the manipulation and parsing of URLs and query strings in JavaScript applications. They provide developers with tools to easily extract, modify, and construct URLs and their parameters, enhancing the handling of web requests and navigation. Each library has its unique features and use cases, catering to different needs in web development.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
url-parse24,207,4891,03763 kB13-MIT
query-string12,849,1746,84051.5 kB297 days agoMIT
url-parse-lax7,955,35553-14 years agoMIT
url-search-params-polyfill501,87259917.4 kB32 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: url-parse vs query-string vs url-parse-lax vs url-search-params-polyfill

Parsing Capability

  • url-parse:

    url-parse offers comprehensive URL parsing capabilities, breaking down the URL into its components (protocol, hostname, pathname, query, etc.). This allows for detailed manipulation of each part of the URL, making it suitable for complex applications.

  • query-string:

    query-string provides a straightforward API for parsing query strings into an object and stringifying objects back into query strings. It handles arrays and nested objects seamlessly, making it easy to work with complex query parameters.

  • url-parse-lax:

    url-parse-lax extends the capabilities of url-parse by allowing for more lenient parsing of URLs. It can handle malformed URLs better, ensuring that developers can still extract useful information even from improperly formatted strings.

  • url-search-params-polyfill:

    url-search-params-polyfill mimics the native URLSearchParams API, allowing for easy parsing and manipulation of query strings. It supports methods like get, set, and delete for managing parameters, providing a familiar interface for developers.

Browser Compatibility

  • url-parse:

    url-parse is also widely supported across modern browsers and can be used in Node.js environments. Its comprehensive features make it suitable for applications that require consistent behavior across different platforms.

  • query-string:

    query-string is compatible with all modern browsers and is lightweight, making it a good choice for projects that prioritize performance and simplicity without needing extensive browser support.

  • url-parse-lax:

    url-parse-lax maintains compatibility with modern browsers while providing additional flexibility in parsing. It is particularly useful in environments where URL formats may be inconsistent or malformed.

  • url-search-params-polyfill:

    url-search-params-polyfill is specifically designed to support older browsers that lack native URLSearchParams support, ensuring that developers can use modern query string manipulation techniques in legacy environments.

Ease of Use

  • url-parse:

    url-parse has a steeper learning curve due to its more extensive API, but it provides powerful tools for URL manipulation. It's best suited for applications that require detailed URL management and are willing to invest time in learning its features.

  • query-string:

    query-string is known for its simplicity and ease of use. Developers can quickly parse and stringify query strings with minimal code, making it ideal for quick implementations and small projects.

  • url-parse-lax:

    url-parse-lax retains the usability of url-parse while adding flexibility. It is still user-friendly but is designed for scenarios where URL formats may vary, making it a practical choice for developers facing inconsistent data.

  • url-search-params-polyfill:

    url-search-params-polyfill offers a familiar API similar to native URLSearchParams, making it easy for developers to adopt. Its straightforward methods for managing query parameters make it accessible for all skill levels.

Performance

  • url-parse:

    url-parse is slightly heavier due to its comprehensive feature set, but it is still performant for most applications. It is suitable for scenarios where detailed URL manipulation is necessary without significant performance trade-offs.

  • query-string:

    query-string is optimized for performance, making it a lightweight choice for applications that require fast parsing and stringifying of query strings without unnecessary overhead.

  • url-parse-lax:

    url-parse-lax may introduce slight overhead due to its lenient parsing capabilities, but it is still efficient for most use cases. It is ideal for applications that prioritize robustness over raw performance.

  • url-search-params-polyfill:

    url-search-params-polyfill is designed to be efficient while providing modern functionality. It may not be as fast as native implementations, but it offers a good balance of performance and compatibility.

Extensibility

  • url-parse:

    url-parse allows for extensibility through its detailed API, enabling developers to create custom solutions for URL handling. It is suitable for applications that may need to evolve over time with more complex URL requirements.

  • query-string:

    query-string is designed to be simple and focused, which limits its extensibility. It is best for projects that do not require additional features beyond basic query string manipulation.

  • url-parse-lax:

    url-parse-lax inherits the extensibility of url-parse while providing additional flexibility for handling malformed URLs. It is a good choice for projects that may need to adapt to varying URL formats in the future.

  • url-search-params-polyfill:

    url-search-params-polyfill is built to mimic the native API, making it easy to integrate into existing projects. While it is not highly extensible, it provides a solid foundation for managing query parameters in a familiar way.

How to Choose: url-parse vs query-string vs url-parse-lax vs url-search-params-polyfill
  • url-parse:

    Select url-parse when you require a robust URL parser that can handle both the URL and its query string. It provides a comprehensive API for manipulating URLs and is suitable for applications that need to work with full URLs, including protocol, host, and pathname.

  • query-string:

    Choose query-string if you need a lightweight solution for parsing and stringifying query strings. It is simple to use and ideal for projects where you only need to handle query parameters without the overhead of URL parsing.

  • url-parse-lax:

    Opt for url-parse-lax if you want a more lenient URL parser that can handle malformed URLs. This package is useful in scenarios where you expect to encounter invalid URLs and need a parser that can still return usable results without throwing errors.

  • url-search-params-polyfill:

    Use url-search-params-polyfill if you need to support older browsers that do not have native support for the URLSearchParams API. This polyfill allows you to work with query strings in a modern way, making it easier to manipulate URL parameters in legacy environments.

Similar Npm Packages to url-parse

url-parse is a popular JavaScript library for parsing and manipulating URLs. It provides a simple and efficient way to break down URLs into their components, such as protocol, host, pathname, query string, and hash. This makes it easier for developers to work with URLs in their applications, whether they need to extract specific parts of a URL or construct new URLs from existing components. While url-parse is a robust solution for URL handling, there are several alternatives worth considering:

  • url-join is a lightweight library that focuses specifically on joining URL segments together. It ensures that the resulting URL is properly formatted, handling slashes and other characters gracefully. If your primary need is to concatenate URL parts without worrying about the intricacies of parsing, url-join is an excellent choice. Its simplicity and focused functionality make it ideal for scenarios where you need to build URLs dynamically from various segments.

  • url-parse-lax is a variant of the url-parse library that offers a more lenient approach to parsing URLs. It allows for more flexibility in handling malformed URLs and provides a simpler API for common use cases. If you find that you often deal with URLs that may not conform to strict standards, url-parse-lax can be a great alternative. It retains many of the features of url-parse while providing a more forgiving parsing experience.

To see how these libraries compare, check out the comparison: Comparing url-join vs url-parse vs url-parse-lax.

Similar Npm Packages to query-string

query-string is a popular JavaScript library that provides utilities for parsing and stringifying URL query strings. It simplifies the process of working with query parameters in URLs, making it easier to extract and manipulate data from them. With query-string, developers can easily convert query strings into JavaScript objects and vice versa, which is particularly useful for handling URL parameters in web applications.

One notable alternative to query-string is qs. The qs library is also designed for parsing and stringifying query strings, but it offers additional features and capabilities. For instance, qs supports nested objects and arrays in query strings, allowing for more complex data structures to be represented. This makes it a great choice for applications that require more advanced query string handling.

While both libraries serve similar purposes, the choice between query-string and qs often depends on the specific needs of the application. If you need a straightforward solution for basic query string manipulation, query-string is a solid option. However, if your application requires handling more complex data structures within query strings, qs may be the better choice.

To see how query-string compares with qs, check out the comparison: Comparing query-string vs qs.

Similar Npm Packages to url-parse-lax

url-parse-lax is a lightweight JavaScript library for parsing URLs. It provides a simple and flexible way to handle URL strings, making it easier to extract components such as the protocol, host, path, query parameters, and more. This library is particularly useful for developers who need to manipulate or analyze URLs in their applications. While url-parse-lax is a great option for URL parsing, there are several alternatives available that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives:

  • query-string is a popular library for parsing and stringifying query strings in URLs. It provides a straightforward API for handling query parameters, allowing developers to easily convert query strings into JavaScript objects and vice versa. If your primary focus is on managing query parameters rather than the entire URL structure, query-string is an excellent choice. It is lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for applications that require simple query string manipulation.
  • url-parse is another robust library for parsing URLs. It offers a comprehensive set of features for handling URLs, including support for various URL components, query string parsing, and even URL resolution. url-parse is particularly useful for applications that need to work with complex URLs or require advanced URL manipulation capabilities. Its versatility makes it a strong alternative to url-parse-lax, especially for developers looking for a more feature-rich solution.
  • url-search-params-polyfill is a polyfill for the URLSearchParams interface, which is part of the modern web API. This library allows developers to work with query parameters in a more native way, providing methods for getting, setting, and deleting parameters. If you are targeting environments that do not support the URLSearchParams API natively, this polyfill can be a valuable addition to your project. It is particularly useful for ensuring compatibility across different browsers and environments.

To see how url-parse-lax compares with query-string, url-parse, and url-search-params-polyfill, check out the comparison: Comparing query-string vs url-parse vs url-parse-lax vs url-search-params-polyfill.

Similar Npm Packages to url-search-params-polyfill

url-search-params-polyfill is a JavaScript library that provides a polyfill for the URLSearchParams interface, which is used to work with the query string of a URL. This polyfill allows developers to use URLSearchParams in environments where it may not be natively supported, ensuring compatibility across different browsers. It simplifies the process of parsing and manipulating query strings, making it easier to work with URL parameters in web applications. While url-search-params-polyfill is a useful tool, there are several alternatives available that offer similar functionality. Here are a few:

  • qs is a popular library for parsing and stringifying query strings in JavaScript. It supports nested objects and arrays, making it a powerful choice for handling complex query parameters. qs is particularly useful when you need to serialize or deserialize query strings that contain structured data. Its flexibility and robustness make it a go-to option for developers dealing with intricate query string scenarios.
  • query-string is another library designed for parsing and stringifying query strings. It provides a simple API for working with URL parameters and supports features like parsing arrays and objects. query-string is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great choice for projects that require basic query string manipulation without the overhead of more complex libraries.
  • url-parse is a comprehensive library for parsing URLs in JavaScript. It allows developers to easily break down a URL into its components, such as protocol, hostname, pathname, and query string. While url-parse is more focused on overall URL parsing rather than just query strings, it can be a valuable tool for developers who need to work with complete URLs and their components.
  • url-search-params is a lightweight library that provides a simple API for working with URLSearchParams. It offers similar functionality to the native URLSearchParams interface, allowing developers to easily manipulate query strings. This library is particularly useful for those who want a straightforward implementation without the need for additional features.

To see how url-search-params-polyfill compares with qs, query-string, url-parse, and url-search-params, check out the comparison: Comparing qs vs query-string vs url-parse vs url-search-params vs url-search-params-polyfill.

README for url-parse

url-parse

Version npmBuild StatusCoverage Status

Sauce Test Status

url-parse was created in 2014 when the WHATWG URL API was not available in Node.js and the URL interface was supported only in some browsers. Today this is no longer true. The URL interface is available in all supported Node.js release lines and basically all browsers. Consider using it for better security and accuracy.

The url-parse method exposes two different API interfaces. The url interface that you know from Node.js and the new URL interface that is available in the latest browsers.

In version 0.1 we moved from a DOM based parsing solution, using the <a> element, to a full Regular Expression solution. The main reason for this was to make the URL parser available in different JavaScript environments as you don't always have access to the DOM. An example of such environment is the Worker interface. The RegExp based solution didn't work well as it required a lot of lookups causing major problems in FireFox. In version 1.0.0 we ditched the RegExp based solution in favor of a pure string parsing solution which chops up the URL into smaller pieces. This module still has a really small footprint as it has been designed to be used on the client side.

In addition to URL parsing we also expose the bundled querystringify module.

Installation

This module is designed to be used using either browserify or Node.js it's released in the public npm registry and can be installed using:

npm install url-parse

Usage

All examples assume that this library is bootstrapped using:

'use strict';

var Url = require('url-parse');

To parse an URL simply call the URL method with the URL that needs to be transformed into an object.

var url = new Url('https://github.com/foo/bar');

The new keyword is optional but it will save you an extra function invocation. The constructor takes the following arguments:

  • url (String): A string representing an absolute or relative URL.
  • baseURL (Object | String): An object or string representing the base URL to use in case url is a relative URL. This argument is optional and defaults to location in the browser.
  • parser (Boolean | Function): This argument is optional and specifies how to parse the query string. By default it is false so the query string is not parsed. If you pass true the query string is parsed using the embedded querystringify module. If you pass a function the query string will be parsed using this function.

As said above we also support the Node.js interface so you can also use the library in this way:

'use strict';

var parse = require('url-parse')
  , url = parse('https://github.com/foo/bar', true);

The returned url instance contains the following properties:

  • protocol: The protocol scheme of the URL (e.g. http:).
  • slashes: A boolean which indicates whether the protocol is followed by two forward slashes (//).
  • auth: Authentication information portion (e.g. username:password).
  • username: Username of basic authentication.
  • password: Password of basic authentication.
  • host: Host name with port number. The hostname might be invalid.
  • hostname: Host name without port number. This might be an invalid hostname.
  • port: Optional port number.
  • pathname: URL path.
  • query: Parsed object containing query string, unless parsing is set to false.
  • hash: The "fragment" portion of the URL including the pound-sign (#).
  • href: The full URL.
  • origin: The origin of the URL.

Note that when url-parse is used in a browser environment, it will default to using the browser's current window location as the base URL when parsing all inputs. To parse an input independently of the browser's current URL (e.g. for functionality parity with the library in a Node environment), pass an empty location object as the second parameter:

var parse = require('url-parse');
parse('hostname', {});

Url.set(key, value)

A simple helper function to change parts of the URL and propagating it through all properties. When you set a new host you want the same value to be applied to port if has a different port number, hostname so it has a correct name again and href so you have a complete URL.

var parsed = parse('http://google.com/parse-things');

parsed.set('hostname', 'yahoo.com');
console.log(parsed.href); // http://yahoo.com/parse-things

It's aware of default ports so you cannot set a port 80 on an URL which has http as protocol.

Url.toString()

The returned url object comes with a custom toString method which will generate a full URL again when called. The method accepts an extra function which will stringify the query string for you. If you don't supply a function we will use our default method.

var location = url.toString(); // http://example.com/whatever/?qs=32

You would rarely need to use this method as the full URL is also available as href property. If you are using the URL.set method to make changes, this will automatically update.

Testing

The testing of this module is done in 3 different ways:

  1. We have unit tests that run under Node.js. You can run these tests with the npm test command.
  2. Code coverage can be run manually using npm run coverage.
  3. For browser testing we use Sauce Labs and zuul. You can run browser tests using the npm run test-browser command.

License

MIT

npm-compare.com is an independent website designed to help developers choose the most suitable npm packages. We are not affiliated with npm, Inc or npmjs.com, the official website for the npm registry. Please note that npm is a registered trademark of npm, Inc. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Privacy.