How can I use the HtmlEncode (or HtmlDecode) function in Visual Studio (vb.net)?

Question

I'm making an application that involves logging into a server, however, the post data needs some encoding.

Dim strEncUsername As String = Server.HtmlEncode(Me.txtUsername.Text)

However, since this isn't an asp.net application, this doesn't work. How the hay am I supposed to do this? I tried looking for an Imports thing, but no real luck.

Answer 1

In a Windows application you can also use:

    System.Net.WebUtility.HtmlEncode

providing the Framework version is 4 or above, see: [link]https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee388364(v=vs.110).aspx

Answer 2

If you add a reference to System.Web to your project you can use the following to html encode your string

Dim strEncUsername As String = System.Web.HttpUtility.HtmlEncode(Me.txtUsername.Text)

MSDN Documentation for HttpUtility.HtmlEncode

Edit
Screenshot of intellisense showing HtmlEncode:

Screenshot of references in project:

Output from application:

unsafe text: <em>evil em tags within</em>
safe text: &lt;em&gt;evil em tags within&lt;/em&gt;