Function to convert an arbitrary string for use inside JavaScript

Question

I need to write a VBScript function that can convert arbitrary strings into a string that I can safely use inside JavaScript. Something like this:

"Hello World"
-- becomes --
"Hello World"

"Hello
World"
-- becomes --
"Hello\nWorld"

"Hello
    World"
-- becomes --
"Hello\n\tWorld"

"Hello'World"
-- becomes --
"Hello\'World"

I need to use the function like this:

var foo = '<p><%= thatfunction( Recordset( "TextField" ) ) %></p>';

I hope you got the point. The function does not have to be bullet-proof but close.

stealthyninja · Accepted Answer · 2010-11-05 15:59:36Z

2

@Salman A: Here's a Classic ASP function you could use

Function thatfunction(ByRef input_string)
    If NOT IsNull(input_string) AND input_string <> "" Then
        Dim working_string
        working_string = input_string
        working_string = Replace(working_string, vbNewLine, "\n")
        working_string = Replace(working_string, vbTab, "\t")
        working_string = Replace(working_string, "'", "\'")
        ' .. other escape values/strings you may wish to add

        thatfunction = working_string
    End If
End Function

answered Nov 5, 2010 at 15:59

stealthyninja

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2 Comments

Salman Arshad Over a year ago

It is the "other" values that I'm worried about :)

stealthyninja Over a year ago

@Salman A: Have a look at the-art-of-web.com/javascript/escape/#section_2 -- you could probably make something similar for Classic ASP using Server.HTMLEncode and Server.URLEncode to compare the outputs. This should take care of the "other" values. :-)

Lee · Accepted Answer · 2010-11-05 08:23:55Z

0

You can use JavaScriptSerializer

Dim serializer as New JavaScriptSerializer()
Dim jsString as String = serializer.Serialize(your_string_here);

... but your example shows the text being embedded in an HTML element--not in a Javascript string. Maybe you're looking for HttpUtility.HtmlEncode(). Your example might then look like this:

<p><%= HttpUtility.HtmlEncode( Recordset( "TextField" ) ) %></p>

edited Nov 5, 2010 at 8:23

answered Nov 5, 2010 at 8:17

Lee

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1 Comment

Salman Arshad Over a year ago

I've modified the question a bit. I need classic asp/vbscript solution.

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