How to Remove Query String from a URL in JavaScript

When working with URLs in JavaScript, you may need to remove the query string from a URL. This guide will explore several methods to achieve this, providing detailed explanations and code examples.

let url = "https://www.example.com/path/name?query=string";
let cleanUrl = url.split('?')[0];
console.log(cleanUrl); // "https://www.example.com/path/name"

To remove the query string from a URL in JavaScript, use the split() method:

In web development, URLs often include query strings that pass parameters to the server. However, there are situations where you might need to strip the query string from a URL, leaving only the base URL. This can be essential for tasks like routing, logging, or simply cleaning up a URL before sharing it. This guide covers multiple methods for removing query strings in JavaScript.

Using the split() Method

The split() method is a straightforward way to remove the query string from a URL. It divides the URL into an array using the ? character as a delimiter and then returns the first part, which is the base URL.

Example 1: Using split()

let url = "https://www.example.com/path/name?query=string";
let cleanUrl = url.split('?')[0];
console.log(cleanUrl); // "https://www.example.com/path/name"

Explanation:

• url.split('?') splits the URL into an array at the ? character.
• [0] accesses the first element of the array, which is the URL without the query string.

Using the URL Object

The URL object in JavaScript allows you to work with URLs more formally. You can modify different parts of the URL, including removing the query string.

Example 2: Using the URL Object

let url = "https://www.example.com/path/name?query=string";
let urlObj = new URL(url);
urlObj.search = "";
let cleanUrl = urlObj.href;
console.log(cleanUrl); // "https://www.example.com/path/name"

Explanation:

• new URL(url) creates a URL object from the string.
• urlObj.search = "" removes the query string by setting the search property to an empty string.
• urlObj.href returns the full URL without the query string.

Using Regular Expressions

Regular expressions provide a flexible way to remove the query string by matching and replacing it with an empty string.

Example 3: Using Regular Expressions

let url = "https://www.example.com/path/name?query=string";
let cleanUrl = url.replace(/\?.*$/, "");
console.log(cleanUrl); // "https://www.example.com/path/name"

Explanation:

• url.replace(/\?.*$/, "") uses a regular expression to find the query string starting with ? and replaces it with an empty string.

Using String Manipulation Methods

You can also use basic string manipulation methods like indexOf() and substring() to remove the query string.

Example 4: Using indexOf() and substring()

let url = "https://www.example.com/path/name?query=string";
let index = url.indexOf('?');
let cleanUrl = index !== -1 ? url.substring(0, index) : url;
console.log(cleanUrl); // "https://www.example.com/path/name"

Explanation:

• url.indexOf('?') finds the position of the ? character in the URL.
• url.substring(0, index) returns the substring from the start of the URL to the position of ?, effectively removing the query string.

Conclusion

Removing the query string from a URL in JavaScript can be done in multiple ways, each with its benefits. The split() method is simple and effective, while the URL object offers more formal manipulation. Regular expressions provide flexibility, and string manipulation methods like indexOf() and substring() give you more control over the process. Understanding these methods ensures you can choose the best approach for your specific needs, making your JavaScript code cleaner and more efficient.