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
– Peter, Commented Nov 28, 2009 at 20:36
I suspect the chosen answer is out of date and should be changed — Arch
– Arch, Commented Aug 20, 2014 at 21:02

bizon · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-03 14:47:37Z

97

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

answered Jan 3, 2012 at 14:47

bizon

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Rup · Accepted Answer · 2012-07-24 10:01:05Z

28

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, 2012 at 10:01

Rup

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answered Jul 24, 2012 at 9:50

kirankumar

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Jon Skeet · Accepted Answer · 2009-04-02 21:22:14Z

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 2, 2009 at 21:22

Jon Skeet

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4 Comments

miccet Over a year ago

I have tripped on this before. I forgot the reference, thought a "using" would do. Thanks!

Zac Bowling Over a year ago

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.

Almund Over a year ago

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.

bizon Over a year ago

@Almund: Check my answer. They did it.

Steve Eisner · Accepted Answer · 2009-06-02 05:14:26Z

8

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 2, 2009 at 5:14

Steve Eisner

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Comments

Mitchel Sellers · Accepted Answer · 2009-04-02 21:22:30Z

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 2, 2009 at 21:22

Mitchel Sellers

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Simko · Accepted Answer · 2016-08-29 14:51:15Z

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mybe it can help in winforms :

System.Uri.EscapeUriString(plainText);

answered Aug 29, 2016 at 14:51

Simko

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GʀᴜᴍᴘʏCᴀᴛ Over a year ago

Do you mind expanding on your code instead of posting a one liner?

Curtis · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-07 09:46:26Z

-1

You can use HttpUtility.UrlDecode or HttpUtility.HtmlDecode

edited Feb 7, 2012 at 9:46

Curtis

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answered Nov 22, 2009 at 6:19

pathachiever11

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1 Comment

Almund Over a year ago

Since the question was how to do this Without the System.Web assembly I´m afraid this isn't much help..

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