How can I use a # symbol instead of ? in URLQueryItem? - swift

Question

If I create a URL like this:
guard var urlComponents = URLComponents(url: "https://example.com/something", resolvingAgainstBaseURL: false) else {
return
}
let queryItems = URLQueryItem(name: "token", value: token)
urlComponents.queryItems = [queryItems]
guard let urlWithQueryItem = urlComponents.url else {
return
}
I want the end result to be something like https://example.com/something#token=7as78f6asd678768asd768asd678
Instead of the default https://example.com/something?token=7as78f6asd678768asd768asd678
(I'm looking for something smarter than a search and replace of the ? character)
Thanks

Answer 1

As others have noted, URLQueryItem object is more intended for use with querystrings vs anchors/fragments. With that said, below is a function that helps you accomplish what your questions is asking.
func constructURL(withURL urlBase: String, andFragmentFromQueryItem queryItem: URLQueryItem) -> URL?{
guard let url = URL(string:urlBase) else {
return nil
}
guard var urlComponents = URLComponents(url: url, resolvingAgainstBaseURL: false) else {
return nil
}
let fragmentKey = queryItem.name
let fragmentValue = queryItem.value ?? ""
urlComponents.fragment = "\(fragmentKey)=\(fragmentValue)"
guard let urlWithFragment = urlComponents.url else {
return nil
}
return urlWithFragment
}
let url = constructURL(withURL:"https://example.com/something",
andFragmentFromQueryItem: URLQueryItem(name: "token", value: "tokenValue"))
let urlString = url?.absoluteString
print("\(urlString!)")
Here is a link to a working Swift fiddle of the code.
http://play.swiftengine.io/code/8JKI3/2

Answer 2

As #rmaddy points out, there is a definite difference between the meaning of ? and #. '?' introduces query parameters, which are part of the URL. '#' introduces the "fragment" which is not considered part of the URL.
You can, however use URLComponents to add a fragment to a URL. Just use the fragment property instead:
urlComponents.fragment = "token=\(token)"