C# HTMLDecode without System.Web possible?

Question

I know there are different methods in the System.Web namespace for decoding html entities (such as "%20" for space). I'm building a Winforms application however, but needs to deal with html encoded strings. Basically I have the iTunes Library XML file and need to decode the URLs in there to check the files.

Is this possible without the System.Web namespace?

This is relevant if you want to use the client only subset of the framework, +1. — Peter C, Nov 28 '09 at 20:36
I suspect the chosen answer is out of date and should be changed — Arch, Aug 20 '14 at 21:02

score 96 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 03 '12 at 14:47

Developers who need to use System.Web.HttpUtility in their client apps and had to reference System.Web.dll and therefore target NET4 full (System.Web.dll is in Full) , can now target the NET4 Client Profile by using the new System.Net.WebUtility class which is in System.dll (System.dll is in NET4 Client Profile). System.Net.WebUtility includes HtmlEncode and HtmlDecode. Url encoding can be accomplished using the System.Uri class (also in System.dll).

From http://blogs.msdn.com/b/jgoldb/archive/2010/04/12/what-s-new-in-net-framework-4-client-profile-rtm.aspx

This is the best answer. Thanks bizon! – BrainSlugs83 May 24 '12 at 05:54 — BrainSlugs83, May 24 '12 at 05:54

score 27 · Answer 2 · edited Jul 24 '12 at 10:01

27

You can use System.Net.WebUtility.HtmlDecode:

Converts a string that has been HTML-encoded for HTTP transmission into a decoded string.

edited Jul 24 '12 at 10:01

Rup

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answered Jul 24 '12 at 09:50

kirankumar

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score 24 · Answer 3 · answered Apr 02 '09 at 21:22

24

Just because you're writing a Windows Forms app doesn't stop you from using System.Web. Just add a reference to System.Web.dll.

answered Apr 02 '09 at 21:22

Jon Skeet

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I have tripped on this before. I forgot the reference, thought a "using" would do. Thanks! – miccet Apr 03 '09 at 06:07
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The issue with that is that you can't use the .NET 3.5 Client profile with your .NET app so your XP users can avoid the 150mb download and go for the smaller 28mb one. Best to avoid the System.Web namespace if you can. – Zac Bowling Jan 28 '10 at 05:25
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I second that, It´s silly a subset of these methods couldn't be provided in a seperate assembly available for the client profile installation.. i find myself quite often needing them in simple client apps. – Almund Dec 18 '10 at 22:53
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@Almund: Check my answer. They did it. – bizon Jan 03 '12 at 14:56

score 7 · Answer 4 · answered Jun 02 '09 at 05:14

7

See this article if you're still curious how to do this without System.Web. It offers a solution for URI decoding (which is really what you're decoding, not HTML entities which are something like "&emdash;" )

answered Jun 02 '09 at 05:14

Steve Eisner

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Thanks Steve, this was exactly what I was looking for +1 – si618 Aug 25 '09 at 02:12

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Aug 29 '16 at 14:51

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mybe it can help in winforms :

System.Uri.EscapeUriString(plainText);

answered Aug 29 '16 at 14:51

Simko

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Do you mind expanding on your code instead of posting a one liner? – DᴀʀᴛʜVᴀᴅᴇʀ Aug 29 '16 at 15:16

score 0 · Answer 6 · answered Apr 02 '09 at 21:22

0

To use the methods that are in the .NET framework you must use the System.Web namespace to get the HtmlDecode method.

Yes, you could write your own method to do it, but that wouldn't make a lot of sense.

Just add the reference to system.web.

answered Apr 02 '09 at 21:22

Mitchel Sellers

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score -1 · Answer 7 · edited Feb 07 '12 at 09:46

-1

You can use HttpUtility.UrlDecode or HttpUtility.HtmlDecode

edited Feb 07 '12 at 09:46

Curt

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answered Nov 22 '09 at 06:19

pathachiever11

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Since the question was how to do this Without the System.Web assembly I´m afraid this isn't much help.. – Almund Dec 18 '10 at 22:54

C# HTMLDecode without System.Web possible?

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