The new bang form URL field expects a URL with %s where the query should go. If the placeholder did not have special characters the URL could be copy-pasted directly from the browser address bar after performing a search for the placeholder, like BANGQUERY.
This may enable less technical users to create bangs.
Note this could be just for user-facing URL entry/display; the final URL saved to settings could have BANGQUERY converted to %s, and %s would still work as usual.
This is how I add URLs to https://multi-launch.leftium.com/. (Tap edit to see how URLs are stored)
- Search for
QUERY (all caps) on the target site
- Then copy/paste the resulting URL directly from the browser; no editing needed.
Besides being easier to enter, QUERY is much more visible and easier to understand than %s.
Note: The goal is to make bang URL entry easier, but not discourage editing of the URL. I often remove unneeded URL parameters like:
- This:
https://www.google.com/search?q=QUERY&sca_esv=b72e1409803a6609&sxsrf=ACQ...BA&sclient=gws-wiz
- To this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=QUERY
