Backslash Escape — JS, Python, Java, JSON Strings

Guide

About String Escape

Escape special characters (<code>\n</code>, <code>\t</code>, <code>\"</code>, <code>\\</code>) for embedding a string into source code. Pick the target language — JavaScript, Python, Java, C, Go, JSON, SQL, Bash, regex. Each has its own rules; the tool applies the right ones.

When this matters

You have text that needs to live inside a source file as a string literal. Quotes, newlines, backslashes need handling. Each language has its own rules — and getting them wrong means a syntax error or, worse, a silent bug that misinterprets your data.

Language differences

Language	String quote	Newline escape	Notes
JavaScript	`'`, `"`, ``	`\n`	Template literals allow real newlines
Python	`'`, `"`, `'''`, `"""`	`\n`	Triple-quoted preserves newlines
Java	`"`, `"""` (text block)	`\n`	Text blocks added in Java 15
C / C++	`"`	`\n`	Concat with adjacent strings
Go	`"`, `	`\n`	Backtick is raw
JSON	`"`	`\n`	Strict — no comments, no trailing comma
SQL	`'`	none usually	Doubled single quote `''`
Bash	`'`, `"`	varies	Different rules in single-quoted strings
Regex	n/a	n/a	Escape metacharacters

Common workflows

Embed a multiline JSON in a Bash script. Pick Bash target, escape, paste into single-quoted assignment.

Build a regex from a literal string. Pick regex target, escape; the result is the literal pattern.

Move a string between languages. Decode from source A, encode to source B. The tool’s bi-directional escape handles the round-trip.

Fix an embedded SQL injection-prone literal. Use parameterized queries instead — but if you must escape, the SQL target handles doubled quotes correctly.

Frequently asked questions

Which characters get escaped?

The set varies by language. All escape " (or '), \\, newline, tab. Some add control chars, some add unicode. Pick the language for the right rules.

Single-quote or double?

Toggle. Some languages (Python, JS) accept both; the escape changes accordingly. SQL and JSON typically use single and double respectively.

Round-trip?

Yes — toggle Unescape to reverse.

What about regex escape?

Regex has its own metacharacter set (.*+?[](){}|^$\). Pick the regex target to escape those for use as a literal pattern.

HTML / XML?

Use HTML Entities for HTML/XML escaping — different mechanism (entities, not backslashes).

Will it preserve emoji?

Yes. Non-ASCII passes through unchanged unless you toggle the "escape unicode" option, which converts to \u escapes.

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Last updated: 2025-01-15