Encoding Form URL-encoded (application/x-www-form-urlencoded)

Form URL encoding is a method of encoding form data in a query string format. It is commonly used in web applications to send data from a client to a server.

In form URL encoding, the data is represented as a series of field-value pairs. Each pair consists of a field name and its corresponding value, separated by an equals sign (=). Multiple pairs are separated by an ampersand (&).

For example, if a form has fields named field1, field2, and field3, and their respective values are value1, value2, and value3, the encoded query string would look like this:

field1=value1&field2=value2&field3=value3

It is important to note that web frameworks often allow multiple values to be associated with a single field. In such cases, the field name is repeated with different values, like field1=value1&field1=value2&field2=value3.

The query string can include both visible and invisible fields from the form. When the form is submitted using the GET method, the query string is appended to the URL. If the form is submitted using the POST method, the query string is sent as the body of the HTTP request.

While there is no definitive standard, it is recommended to use ampersand as the separator in query strings. Semicolons were recommended in the past but are no longer widely used.

Form URL encoding provides a convenient way to transmit form data between a client and a server, allowing for easy processing and retrieval of the submitted information.

Source:
[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Query_string