HTML Encode / Decode

Convert special characters into HTML entities and back.

What is HTML encoding

Converts characters with special meaning in HTML — like <, >, & and quotes — into entities (&lt;, &gt;, &amp;) so they display as literal text instead of being interpreted as code.

When to use it

Essential for displaying source code inside a web page, or to prevent user-typed text from being interpreted as HTML/script (basic XSS prevention).

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to encode HTML?

To display characters like < and > as literal text instead of having the browser interpret them as part of the page's code.

Does this protect against XSS attacks?

It helps as a basic layer, but doesn't replace proper validation and sanitization on the backend.