Single Quotes In Route Params Will Cause The Page Crash

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Single Quotes in Route Params: A Hidden Pitfall in Waku Apps

When building applications with Waku, one of the key features is the ability to create routes with parameters. These parameters allow users to dynamically access different pages within the app, making it more interactive and user-friendly. However, there's a hidden pitfall that developers should be aware of when working with route parameters, especially when it comes to single quotes. In this article, we'll delve into the issue of single quotes in route params causing the page to crash and explore the implications of this behavior.

The Problem: Single Quotes in Route Params

Let's consider a simple route in a Waku app: /book/[name]. When we visit a path containing a single quote, for example, /book/Webster's%20Dictionary, the page will crash with a message "Invalid element: route:/book/Webster's%20Dictionary". This behavior is not only frustrating but also indicates a deeper issue with how Waku handles route parameters.

Reproduction of the Issue

To demonstrate this issue, we can create a simple Waku app using the provided StackBlitz example: https://stackblitz.com/edit/stackblitz-starters-yjfjlhke. This example showcases a basic Waku app with a route /book/[name]. When we visit the path /book/Webster's%20Dictionary, the page will crash, highlighting the problem.

The Root Cause: Lack of Decoding

Upon closer inspection, we can see that the route parameters received in the page entry component are not decoded using decodeURIComponent. This means that the single quote in the route parameter is not properly handled, leading to the page crash.

export default function Book({ name }) {
  // We got `Webster's%20Dictionary` rather than `Webster's Dictionary` here
  return <div>{name}</div>
}

Comparison with Next.js App Router

Interestingly, when we compare this behavior with Next.js' app router, we find that it doesn't decode the route parameters either. However, its legacy page router will decode the parameters when calling useRouter to retrieve the route params. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding the underlying behavior of different frameworks and libraries when working on complex applications.

In conclusion, the issue of single quotes in route params causing the page to crash is a hidden pitfall in Waku apps. By understanding the root cause of this behavior and the implications of not decoding route parameters, developers can take steps to mitigate this issue and create more robust and user-friendly applications. As we continue to build and maintain complex applications, it's essential to stay aware of these subtleties and work towards creating a better user experience.

To avoid this issue, we recommend the following:

  1. Decode route parameters: Make sure to decode route parameters using decodeURIComponent to ensure that single quotes and other special characters are properly handled.
  2. Use URL encoding: When working with route parameters, use URL encoding to ensure that special characters are properly encoded.
  3. Test thoroughly: Thoroughly test your application with different route parameters to identify and fix any potential issues.

By following these recommendations, developers can create more robust and user-friendly applications that handle route parameters correctly, even when dealing with single quotes.
Single Quotes in Route Params: A Q&A Guide

In our previous article, we explored the issue of single quotes in route params causing the page to crash in Waku apps. We delved into the root cause of this behavior and provided recommendations for mitigating this issue. In this article, we'll continue the conversation by answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to single quotes in route params.

Q: What is the root cause of the issue with single quotes in route params?

A: The root cause of the issue is that Waku apps do not decode route parameters using decodeURIComponent. This means that special characters, including single quotes, are not properly handled, leading to the page crash.

Q: Why doesn't Waku decode route parameters by default?

A: Waku's design philosophy emphasizes flexibility and customization. By not decoding route parameters by default, developers have more control over how their application handles route parameters. However, this also means that developers must take extra steps to ensure that special characters are properly handled.

Q: How can I decode route parameters in my Waku app?

A: To decode route parameters, you can use the decodeURIComponent function. For example, if you have a route parameter name that contains a single quote, you can decode it using the following code:

const decodedName = decodeURIComponent(name);

Q: What are some best practices for handling route parameters in Waku apps?

A: Here are some best practices for handling route parameters in Waku apps:

  1. Use URL encoding: When working with route parameters, use URL encoding to ensure that special characters are properly encoded.
  2. Decode route parameters: Make sure to decode route parameters using decodeURIComponent to ensure that single quotes and other special characters are properly handled.
  3. Test thoroughly: Thoroughly test your application with different route parameters to identify and fix any potential issues.

Q: How does this issue compare to Next.js app router?

A: Next.js app router also does not decode route parameters by default. However, its legacy page router will decode the parameters when calling useRouter to retrieve the route params. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding the underlying behavior of different frameworks and libraries when working on complex applications.

Q: Can I use a library or plugin to handle route parameters for me?

A: Yes, there are several libraries and plugins available that can help handle route parameters for you. For example, you can use the waku-router library, which provides a simple and intuitive way to handle route parameters.

Q: How can I report issues or provide feedback on Waku's route parameter handling?

A: If you encounter any issues or have feedback on Waku's route parameter handling, you can report them on the Waku GitHub repository or contact the Waku team directly.

In conclusion, the issue of single quotes in route params causing the page to crash is a common problem in Waku apps. By understanding the root cause of this behavior and following best practices for handling route parameters, developers can create more robust and user-friendly applications. We hope this Q&A guide has provided valuable insights and answers to your questions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.