TextDecoder.prototype.decode()

This is an experimental technology
Check the Browser compatibility table carefully before using this in production.

The TextDecoder.prototype.decode() method returns a DOMString containing the text, given in parameters, decoded with the specific method for that TextDecoder object.

Syntax

b1 = decoder.decode(buffer, options);
b2 = decoder.decode(buffer);
b3 = decoder.decode();

Parameters

buffer Optional
Is either an ArrayBuffer or an ArrayBufferView containing the text to decode.
options Optional
Is a TextDecodeOptions dictionary with the property:
stream
A Boolean flag indicating that additional data will follow in subsequent calls to decode(). Set to true if processing the data in chunks, and false for the final chunk or if the data is not chunked. It defaults to false.

Example

This example encodes and decodes the euro symbol, €.

HTML

<p>Encoded value: <span id="encoded-value"></span></p>
<p>Decoded value: <span id="decoded-value"></span></p>

JavaScript

const encoder = new TextEncoder();
const array = encoder.encode('€'); // Uint8Array(3) [226, 130, 172]
document.getElementById('encoded-value').textContent = array;

const decoder = new TextDecoder();
const str = decoder.decode(array); // String "€"
document.getElementById('decoded-value').textContent = str;

Result

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Encoding
The definition of 'TextDecoder.decode()' in that specification.
Living Standard Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
decodeChrome Full support 38Edge Full support ≤79Firefox Full support 19
Full support 19
Partial support 18
Notes
Notes Implemented a slightly different version of the spec.
IE No support NoOpera Full support 25Safari Full support 10.1WebView Android Full support 38Chrome Android Full support 38Firefox Android Full support 19
Full support 19
Partial support 18
Notes
Notes Implemented a slightly different version of the spec.
Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support 10.3Samsung Internet Android Full support 3.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.

See also