Microsoft Excel has a few web functions that can be used while dealing with links. In this article we will look at two such functions – WEBSERVICE and ENCODEURL. These functions help one in dealing with data that are related to programming and coding. These functions were available from the Excel 2013 version.
Web Functions – WEBSERVICE
Priya has an URL in her sheet but she wanted to insert an HTTP. WEBSERVICE function can be used to download the HTTP response for an URL.
The difference between the two is that URL is a string of characters that can be used to locate a particular resource while HTTP is a protocol for the exchange of hypertext.
Syntax:
WEBSERVICE(url)
Where, ‘url’ stands for the cell reference containing the URL.
Suppose she has her URL in cell A1, to download the HTTP, she should select the cell and insert the following formula.
=WEBSERVICE(A1)
The HTTP will be downloaded and the result will appear as follows.
Alternatively, she can go to ‘Formulas’ menu, click on the ‘More Functions’ option. A dropdown list will appear. She should now choose ‘Web’ option and click on ‘WEBSERVICE’. The following dialogue box will appear. She can enter the necessary particulars and click ‘OK’.
Web Functions – ENCODEURL
ENCODEURL is a function can be used to insert the code for an URL. By converting an URL into a code, characters like ‘,‘, ‘/’, which have special meanings for themselves, will get replaced.
Syntax:
ENCODEURL(text)
Where, ‘text’ stands for the cell reference containing the URL.
To convert the URL into a code, she should select the cell and insert the following formula.
=ENCODEURL(A1)
The URL will be converted into a code and the result will appear as follows.
Alternatively, she can go to ‘Formulas’ menu, click on the ‘More Functions’ option. A dropdown list will appear. She should now choose ‘Web’ option and click on ‘ENCODEURL’. The following dialogue box will appear. She can enter the necessary particulars and click ‘OK’.
