What is the proper way to format parameters being sent to the server using JavaScript on the back end

Struggling to make the following code work in my ASP.NET demo application, looking for some guidance here.

Check out the javascript code below:

function checkUserName() {
    var request = createRequest();
    if (request == null) {
        alert("Unable to create request.");
    } else {
        var theName = document.getElementById("username").value;
        var userName = escape(theName);
        var url = "Default.aspx/CheckName";
        request.onreadystatechange = createStateChangeCallback(request);        
        request.open("GET", url, true);
        request.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
        //none of my attempts to set the 'values' parameter work   
        var values =  //JSON.stringify({userName:"userName"}); //"{userName:'temp name'}"; //JSON.stringify({ "userName":userName });
        request.send(values);
    }
}

Here is the method in my *.aspx.cs class:

[WebMethod]
[ScriptMethod(UseHttpGet=true)]
public static string CheckName(string userName)
{
    string s = "userName";
    return s + " modified backstage";
}

Encountering an exception when running this code:

---------------------------
Message from webpage
---------------------------
{"Message":"Invalid web service call, missing value for parameter: \u0027userName\u0027.","StackTrace":"   at System.Web.Script.Services.WebServiceMethodData.CallMethod(Object target, IDictionary`2 parameters)\r\n   at System.Web.Script.Services.WebServiceMethodData.CallMethodFromRawParams(Object target, IDictionary`2 parameters)\r\n   at System.Web.Script.Services.RestHandler.InvokeMethod(HttpContext context, WebServiceMethodData methodData, IDictionary`2 rawParams)\r\n   at System.Web.Script.Services.RestHandler.ExecuteWebServiceCall(HttpContext context, WebServiceMethodData methodData)","ExceptionType":"System.InvalidOperationException"}
---------------------------
OK   
---------------------------

Started my search here, then checked various threads on SO, experimenting with different combinations of quotes and key-value pairs, but nothing seems to click.

Removing the parameter from the C# method and request.send() gives me a response in the JS callback, but adding parameters brings back the above exception. Would appreciate a solution without relying on jQuery.

Thanks for your help.

UPDATE Following Alexei's suggestion, I made some changes that fixed the issue. The URL was missing single quotes around the parameter value, preventing the call from being successful.

function checkUserName() {
    var request = createRequest();
    if (request == null) {
        alert("Unable to create request.");
    } else {
        var theName = document.getElementById("username").value;
        var userName = encodeURIComponent(theName); 
        var url = "Default.aspx/CheckName?name='" + theName + "'";
        request.onreadystatechange = createStateChangeCallback(request);
        request.open("GET", url, true);
        request.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");       
        request.send();
    }
}

Answer №2

To proceed, please make the following decisions:

  • Determine whether you will be using GET or POST. For a GET request, ensure that all parameters are in the URL (with an empty body), while for POST requests, both options are available. Currently, your code expects a GET request but is sending a POST request.
  • Make sure to add query parameters correctly - including the name and encoded value. Utilize the JavaScript function encodeURIComponent for encoding. Refer to Build URL from Form Fields with Javascript or jquery for more details.
  • If using POST, ensure that parameters are properly encoded and specify the correct "content-type" header.
  • If sending JSON data, ensure that it is decoded on the server side.

Alternatively, you have the option to use a hidden form for performing POST/GET operations as discussed in JavaScript post request like a form submit

On a side note, remember that jQuery.ajax can handle most of these tasks for you, serving as a valuable resource if you prefer a more hands-on approach.

Answer №3

Following Alan's advice, it would be best to utilize the POST method for your request. Avoid passing arguments in the URL as it may not be secure. Instead, consider sending your data as JSON.

var url = "Default.aspx/CheckName";
var jsonData = {"userName": values};

Update: Disregard my previous suggestion about passing arguments in the URL. JSON would be a more suitable approach for sending your data.

Answer №4

In case you want to send a POST request, here is the correct way to do it.

var dataToSend = JSON.stringify({"'userName':'"+ userName+ "'"});

Make sure to switch from using HttpGet to HttpPost in your code.

Answer №5

In the scenario where your server side method is expecting a GET request, the following steps are necessary:

request.open("GET", url + "?username=" + userName, true);
request.send();

This code snippet has been successful for me:

function verifyUsername() {

    var request =  new XMLHttpRequest();

    if (request == null) {
        alert("Request creation failed.");
    } else {        
        var userName = "Alice Smith";
        var url = '@Url.RouteUrl(new{ action="CheckName", controller="Home"})';

    request.onreadystatechange = function() {
        if (request.readyState == XMLHttpRequest.DONE ) {
           if(request.status == 200){
               document.getElementById("myDiv").innerHTML = request.responseText;
           }
           else if(request.status == 400) {
              alert('Error 400 occurred')
           }
           else {
               alert('Another status code was returned')
           }
        }
    }

        request.open("GET", url + "?username=" + userName, true);
        request.send();
    }
}

On the server side, ensure the following is implemented:

[HttpGet]
public string CheckName(string userName)
{
    return userName + " has been updated";
}

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