ASP.Net MVC - How to Access URL Query String Parameters from a Button

A guide on how to access URL query string parameters such as user Id and JWT token in an ASP.Net MVC application for password reset functionality.
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Understanding URL Query Strings in ASP.Net MVC

When developing web applications, you may find yourself needing to access data passed through the URL. A common scenario is during a password reset process, where sensitive information like user IDs and tokens are transmitted in query strings. This guide addresses a specific query regarding accessing URL query string parameters in an ASP.Net MVC application from a button click.

In this instance, a user receives an email containing a link to reset their password, such as:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This URL encodes essential parameters: the user ID and a JWT token. The question arises: How can we access these parameters when a user submits a password reset form?

The Problem: Accessing URL Parameters in a Button Click

To successfully manage a password reset, you need to capture the id and token from the URL when users navigate to the reset password page. The standard practice would be to transfer these values into the form that will be submitted when the user attempts to change their password. The given controller methods demonstrate the need to access these parameters effectively.

Code Overview

We have two main actions in the ASP.Net MVC controller:

ResetPass: This is a HttpGet method that receives the URL parameters.

ResetPassButton: This HttpPost method is invoked when the user submits the password reset form.

Initially, the goal is to pass the id and token from the URL into the button submission process. The question is how best to achieve this.

The Solution: Building a Reset Password Model

Instead of handling the query string parameters independently or using temporary storage like ViewBag, a cleaner and more maintainable approach is to create a ResetPasswordModel. This model will encapsulate the relevant data you need to pass around.

Step 1: Create the Model

Create a model class to hold the parameters:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Update the Get Method

Modify the ResetPass method to instantiate the model with the query string parameters:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Adjust the Post Method

Now, update the ResetPassButton action to accept the ResetPasswordModel:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion: Simplifying Parameter Access

By implementing a model, you make it easy to carry the user ID and token throughout the user’s session. This approach not only simplifies the transfer of information but also enhances code readability and maintainability.

Now, when users submit their new password, both the id and token can be accessed directly through the model in your post method, avoiding hacks like using ViewBag.

Utilizing models to organize your data is a best practice in ASP.Net MVC development—and in this case, it directly solves the problem of needing to access URL query string parameters when a button is clicked.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need assistance with similar scenarios!