[RESOLVED] Html decode?

[stephsh]

I am importing an array of names from the db and for each element in the array I am creating a radiobutton. The radiobutton's ID corresponds to the array name. Certain names contain special characters and are therefore written in ASCII HTML character code. I later perform some operations to determine which radiobutton has been selected but then the radiobuttons with the HTML ID are not recognized. I tried inserting the following to ensure the ID stays in HTML character code form throughout the code but it doesnt seem to work:

selectedRbtnID = Server.HtmlDecode(radiobutton.ID);

Is there another way to tackle this?

[nelo]

Hi,

I would suggest having a different identifier. If possible try to go for a numeric value or a combination of simple letters and numbers. If you can change the database and assign the relevant records unique identifiers do that. I would also add that the identifiers don't need to come from the database. You can generate them in your code after you retrieve the data. This can be as simple as starting with an initial value and just incremeting and assigning it as an id.

[eclipsed4utoo]

try this...

selectedRbtnID = HttpUtility.UrlDecode(radiobutton.ID);

you will need to add a reference to the System.Web namespace(if you don't already have it).

I tested with this, and it converted it correctly...

string test = HttpUtility.UrlDecode("hello%20world");

// Output
//      "hello world"

[nelo]

try this...

selectedRbtnID = HttpUtility.UrlDecode(radiobutton.ID);

you will need to add a reference to the System.Web namespace(if you don't already have it).

I tested with this, and it converted it correctly...

string test = HttpUtility.UrlDecode("hello%20world");

// Output
//      "hello world"

Good point. I would still prefer to have an identifier that doesn't include spaces or any special characters...

[memeloo]

and how about not decoding this string at all but putting it in the Tag property and give the radiobuttons other names

[jonlist]

If it is the id attribute of the buttons you are talking about then I would also suggest used a different identifier. If you have an auto incrementer on the rows in the database, this would be an ideal choice.

Something like id="button_1234"

you could also do it with javascript? I'm don't know the specifics of you application, but i know that you can add arbitrary data to any element using the .data function in JQuery.
An attached event handler could then make the correct request once the button is selected.

[stephsh]

Thank you very much, now it works!

I took Jonlist's advice and used "_" in the ID instead of "." and then used the following to decode the ID:

rbtnSkill.ID = HttpUtility.HtmlDecode(criterium[i].Skill) + "_" + eNum;