Express req.originalUrl Property

Posted in Express Tutorial

Updated on Feb 18, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 21 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

Express.js, a popular Node.js web application framework, equips developers with a variety of features to efficiently handle HTTP requests. One such feature is the req.originalUrl property, which provides insight into the original URL of the incoming request.

In this guide, we'll explore the syntax, usage, and practical examples of req.originalUrl in Express.js.

💡 Syntax

The syntax for accessing req.originalUrl is straightforward:

syntax.js

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const originalUrl = req.originalUrl;

originalUrl: The original URL of the incoming request.

❓ How req.originalUrl Works

The req.originalUrl property in Express.js reveals the original URL of the request, including any query parameters. It remains unchanged throughout the request's lifecycle, making it useful for logging, routing decisions, or reconstructing URLs for redirects.

example.js

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app.get('/profile', (req, res) => {
  const originalUrl = req.originalUrl;
  res.send(`Original URL: ${originalUrl}`);
});

In this example, the originalUrl variable captures the original URL of the incoming request, providing valuable information for further processing.

📚 Use Cases

Logging:

Utilize req.originalUrl for logging purposes, gaining insights into the URLs that your application is handling.

example.js

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app.use((req, res, next) => {
  const originalUrl = req.originalUrl;
  console.log(`Request received for: ${originalUrl}`);
  next();
});

Dynamic Routing:

In dynamic routes, leverage req.originalUrl to make decisions based on the original URL, providing flexibility in handling different resource requests.

example.js

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app.get('/resources/:id', (req, res) => {
  const resourceId = req.params.id;
  const originalUrl = req.originalUrl;

  // Dynamically handle resources based on the original URL
  // ...
});

🏆 Best Practices

Consistent Use in Middleware:

Ensure consistent use of req.originalUrl across relevant middleware functions to maintain accurate information throughout the request lifecycle.

example.js

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app.use((req, res, next) => {
  const originalUrl = req.originalUrl;
  // Perform middleware actions using originalUrl
  next();
});

app.get('/profile', (req, res) => {
  const originalUrl = req.originalUrl;
  // Handle the route using originalUrl
  res.send(`Original URL: ${originalUrl}`);
});

🎉 Conclusion

The req.originalUrl property in Express.js is a valuable tool for accessing the original URL of incoming requests. Whether for logging, dynamic routing, or other scenarios, understanding how to leverage req.originalUrl enhances your ability to work with URLs in Express.js applications.

Now equipped with knowledge about req.originalUrl, go ahead and incorporate this feature into your Express.js projects for a more robust and informed request handling process!