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Revision 1.170 by root, Thu Nov 15 22:35:35 2018 UTC

1=head1 NAME
2
3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
4
1=encoding utf-8 5=encoding utf-8
2
3=head1 NAME
4
5JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
6 6
7JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ 7JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ
8 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html) 8 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html)
9 9
10=head1 SYNOPSIS 10=head1 SYNOPSIS
12 use JSON::XS; 12 use JSON::XS;
13 13
14 # exported functions, they croak on error 14 # exported functions, they croak on error
15 # and expect/generate UTF-8 15 # and expect/generate UTF-8
16 16
17 $utf8_encoded_json_text = to_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref; 17 $utf8_encoded_json_text = encode_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref;
18 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = from_json $utf8_encoded_json_text; 18 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = decode_json $utf8_encoded_json_text;
19 19
20 # OO-interface 20 # OO-interface
21 21
22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref; 22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref;
23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar); 23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar);
24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text); 24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text);
25 25
26 # Note that JSON version 2.0 and above will automatically use JSON::XS
27 # if available, at virtually no speed overhead either, so you should
28 # be able to just:
29
30 use JSON;
31
32 # and do the same things, except that you have a pure-perl fallback now.
33
26=head1 DESCRIPTION 34=head1 DESCRIPTION
27 35
28This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its 36This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its
29primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be 37primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be
30I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C. 38I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C.
31 39
32As this is the n-th-something JSON module on CPAN, what was the reason
33to write yet another JSON module? While it seems there are many JSON
34modules, none of them correctly handle all corner cases, and in most cases
35their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug
36reports for other reasons.
37
38See COMPARISON, below, for a comparison to some other JSON modules.
39
40See MAPPING, below, on how JSON::XS maps perl values to JSON values and 40See MAPPING, below, on how JSON::XS maps perl values to JSON values and
41vice versa. 41vice versa.
42 42
43=head2 FEATURES 43=head2 FEATURES
44 44
45=over 4 45=over
46 46
47=item * correct unicode handling 47=item * correct Unicode handling
48 48
49This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when 49This module knows how to handle Unicode, documents how and when it does
50it does so. 50so, and even documents what "correct" means.
51 51
52=item * round-trip integrity 52=item * round-trip integrity
53 53
54When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported 54When you serialise a perl data structure using only data types supported
55by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level. 55by JSON and Perl, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl
56(e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because it looks 56level. (e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because
57like a number). 57it looks like a number). There I<are> minor exceptions to this, read the
58MAPPING section below to learn about those.
58 59
59=item * strict checking of JSON correctness 60=item * strict checking of JSON correctness
60 61
61There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default, 62There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default,
62and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security 63and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security
63feature). 64feature).
64 65
65=item * fast 66=item * fast
66 67
67Compared to other JSON modules, this module compares favourably in terms 68Compared to other JSON modules and other serialisers such as Storable,
68of speed, too. 69this module usually compares favourably in terms of speed, too.
69 70
70=item * simple to use 71=item * simple to use
71 72
72This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO 73This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an object
73interface. 74oriented interface.
74 75
75=item * reasonably versatile output formats 76=item * reasonably versatile output formats
76 77
77You can choose between the most compact guarenteed single-line format 78You can choose between the most compact guaranteed-single-line format
78possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 79possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ASCII format
79(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole 80(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole
80unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that 81Unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that
81stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like. 82stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
82 83
83=back 84=back
84 85
85=cut 86=cut
86 87
87package JSON::XS; 88package JSON::XS;
88 89
89use strict; 90use common::sense;
90 91
91our $VERSION = '1.51'; 92our $VERSION = '4.0';
92our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 93our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
93 94
94our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 95our @EXPORT = qw(encode_json decode_json);
95 96
96use Exporter; 97use Exporter;
97use XSLoader; 98use XSLoader;
98 99
100use Types::Serialiser ();
101
99=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 102=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
100 103
101The following convinience methods are provided by this module. They are 104The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
102exported by default: 105exported by default:
103 106
104=over 4 107=over
105 108
106=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 109=item $json_text = encode_json $perl_scalar
107 110
108Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string 111Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string
109(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error. 112(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
110 113
111This function call is functionally identical to: 114This function call is functionally identical to:
112 115
113 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 116 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
114 117
115except being faster. 118Except being faster.
116 119
117=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 120=item $perl_scalar = decode_json $json_text
118 121
119The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries 122The opposite of C<encode_json>: expects a UTF-8 (binary) string and tries
120to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting 123to parse that as a UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
121reference. Croaks on error. 124reference. Croaks on error.
122 125
123This function call is functionally identical to: 126This function call is functionally identical to:
124 127
125 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text) 128 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text)
126 129
127except being faster. 130Except being faster.
128
129=item $is_boolean = JSON::XS::is_bool $scalar
130
131Returns true if the passed scalar represents either JSON::XS::true or
132JSON::XS::false, two constants that act like C<1> and C<0>, respectively
133and are used to represent JSON C<true> and C<false> values in Perl.
134
135See MAPPING, below, for more information on how JSON values are mapped to
136Perl.
137 131
138=back 132=back
139 133
140 134
141=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL 135=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL
142 136
143Since this often leads to confusion, here are a few very clear words on 137Since this often leads to confusion, here are a few very clear words on
144how Unicode works in Perl, modulo bugs. 138how Unicode works in Perl, modulo bugs.
145 139
146=over 4 140=over
147 141
148=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255. 142=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255.
149 143
150This enables you to store unicode characters as single characters in a 144This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
151Perl string - very natural. 145Perl string - very natural.
152 146
153=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings. 147=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
154 148
155Unless you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or printing 149... until you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or
156the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your string as 150printing the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your
157locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending on various 151string as locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending
158settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your data, it is 152on various settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your
159I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical metadata. 153data, it is I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical meta data.
160 154
161=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the 155=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
162encoding of your string. 156encoding of your string.
163 157
164Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in 158Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
165XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only 159XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only
166confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string 160confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string
167is encoded. You can have unicode strings with that flag set, with that 161is encoded. You can have Unicode strings with that flag set, with that
168flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag 162flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag
169clear. Other possibilities exist, too. 163clear. Other possibilities exist, too.
170 164
171If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't 165If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't
172exist. 166exist.
173 167
174=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be 168=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be
175validly interpreted as a Unicode codepoint. 169validly interpreted as a Unicode code point.
176 170
177If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a 171If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a
178Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string. 172Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string.
179 173
180=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string. 174=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string.
181 175
182Its a fact. Learn to live with it. 176It's a fact. Learn to live with it.
183 177
184=back 178=back
185 179
186I hope this helps :) 180I hope this helps :)
187 181
189=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE 183=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE
190 184
191The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or 185The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or
192decoding style, within the limits of supported formats. 186decoding style, within the limits of supported formats.
193 187
194=over 4 188=over
195 189
196=item $json = new JSON::XS 190=item $json = new JSON::XS
197 191
198Creates a new JSON::XS object that can be used to de/encode JSON 192Creates a new JSON::XS object that can be used to de/encode JSON
199strings. All boolean flags described below are by default I<disabled>. 193strings. All boolean flags described below are by default I<disabled>
194(with the exception of C<allow_nonref>, which defaults to I<enabled> since
195version C<4.0>).
200 196
201The mutators for flags all return the JSON object again and thus calls can 197The mutators for flags all return the JSON object again and thus calls can
202be chained: 198be chained:
203 199
204 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]}) 200 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]})
205 => {"a": [1, 2]} 201 => {"a": [1, 2]}
206 202
207=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 203=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
208 204
205=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
206
209If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 207If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
210generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 208generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
211unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 209Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
212single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 210single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
213as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native 211as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native
214unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string, 212Unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string,
215or any other superset of ASCII. 213or any other superset of ASCII.
216 214
217If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 215If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
218characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results 216characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
219in a faster and more compact format. 217in a faster and more compact format.
220 218
219See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
220document.
221
221The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be 222The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be
222transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not 223transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not
223contain any 8 bit characters. 224contain any 8 bit characters.
224 225
225 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 226 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
226 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 227 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
227 228
228=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 229=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
229 230
231=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
232
230If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 233If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
231the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 234the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
232outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 235outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
233latin1-encoded JSON text or a native unicode string. The C<decode> method 236latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
234will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 237will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
235expects unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 238expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
236 239
237If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 240If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
238characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. 241characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags.
242
243See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
244document.
239 245
240The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON 246The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON
241text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded 247text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded
242size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 248size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
243in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 249in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
244transfering), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when 250transferring), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when
245you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently 251you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently
246in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders. 252in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders.
247 253
248 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 254 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
249 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 255 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
250 256
251=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 257=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
252 258
259=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
260
253If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 261If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
254the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 262the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
255C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 263C<decode> method expects to be handed a UTF-8-encoded string. Please
256note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 264note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
257range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 265range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
258versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16 266versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16
259and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627. 267and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627.
260 268
261If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON 269If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON
262string as a (non-encoded) unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a 270string as a (non-encoded) Unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a
263unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs 271Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs
264to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module. 272to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module.
273
274See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
275document.
265 276
266Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 277Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
267 278
268 use Encode; 279 use Encode;
269 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object); 280 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object);
290 ] 301 ]
291 } 302 }
292 303
293=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 304=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
294 305
306=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
307
295If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 308If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
296format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 309format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
297into its own line, identing them properly. 310into its own line, indenting them properly.
298 311
299If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the 312If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the
300resulting JSON text is guarenteed not to contain any C<newlines>. 313resulting JSON text is guaranteed not to contain any C<newlines>.
301 314
302This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 315This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
303 316
304=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 317=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
318
319=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
305 320
306If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 321If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
307optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 322optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
308 323
309If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra 324If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra
315Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 330Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
316 331
317 {"key" :"value"} 332 {"key" :"value"}
318 333
319=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 334=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
335
336=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
320 337
321If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 338If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
322optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects 339optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
323and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 340and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
324members. 341members.
332 349
333 {"key": "value"} 350 {"key": "value"}
334 351
335=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable]) 352=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
336 353
354=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
355
337If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some 356If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
338extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be 357extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
339affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid 358affected in any way. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid
340JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to 359JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
341parse application-specific files written by humans (configuration files, 360parse application-specific files written by humans (configuration files,
342resource files etc.) 361resource files etc.)
343 362
344If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<decode> will only accept 363If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<decode> will only accept
345valid JSON texts. 364valid JSON texts.
346 365
347Currently accepted extensions are: 366Currently accepted extensions are:
348 367
349=over 4 368=over
350 369
351=item * list items can have an end-comma 370=item * list items can have an end-comma
352 371
353JSON I<separates> array elements and key-value pairs with commas. This 372JSON I<separates> array elements and key-value pairs with commas. This
354can be annoying if you write JSON texts manually and want to be able to 373can be annoying if you write JSON texts manually and want to be able to
373 [ 392 [
374 1, # this comment not allowed in JSON 393 1, # this comment not allowed in JSON
375 # neither this one... 394 # neither this one...
376 ] 395 ]
377 396
397=item * literal ASCII TAB characters in strings
398
399Literal ASCII TAB characters are now allowed in strings (and treated as
400C<\t>).
401
402 [
403 "Hello\tWorld",
404 "Hello<TAB>World", # literal <TAB> would not normally be allowed
405 ]
406
378=back 407=back
379 408
380=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 409=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
410
411=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
381 412
382If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 413If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
383by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 414by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
384 415
385If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value 416If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value
386pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs 417pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs
387of the same script). 418of the same script, and can change even within the same run from 5.18
419onwards).
388 420
389This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as 421This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as
390the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled, 422the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled,
391the same hash migh be encoded differently even if contains the same data, 423the same hash might be encoded differently even if contains the same data,
392as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl. 424as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl.
393 425
394This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 426This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
395 427
428This setting has currently no effect on tied hashes.
429
396=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 430=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
431
432=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
433
434Unlike other boolean options, this opotion is enabled by default beginning
435with version C<4.0>. See L<SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS> for the gory details.
397 436
398If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a 437If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a
399non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value, 438non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
400which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON 439which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON
401values instead of croaking. 440values instead of croaking.
403If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will croak if it isn't 442If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will croak if it isn't
404passed an arrayref or hashref, as JSON texts must either be an object 443passed an arrayref or hashref, as JSON texts must either be an object
405or array. Likewise, C<decode> will croak if given something that is not a 444or array. Likewise, C<decode> will croak if given something that is not a
406JSON object or array. 445JSON object or array.
407 446
408Example, encode a Perl scalar as JSON value with enabled C<allow_nonref>, 447Example, encode a Perl scalar as JSON value without enabled C<allow_nonref>,
409resulting in an invalid JSON text: 448resulting in an error:
410 449
411 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 450 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref (0)->encode ("Hello, World!")
412 => "Hello, World!" 451 => hash- or arrayref expected...
452
453=item $json = $json->allow_unknown ([$enable])
454
455=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_unknown
456
457If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode> will I<not> throw an
458exception when it encounters values it cannot represent in JSON (for
459example, filehandles) but instead will encode a JSON C<null> value. Note
460that blessed objects are not included here and are handled separately by
461c<allow_nonref>.
462
463If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
464exception when it encounters anything it cannot encode as JSON.
465
466This option does not affect C<decode> in any way, and it is recommended to
467leave it off unless you know your communications partner.
413 468
414=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 469=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
415 470
471=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
472
473See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION> for details.
474
416If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 475If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
417barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 476barf when it encounters a blessed reference that it cannot convert
418B<convert_blessed> option will decide wether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 477otherwise. Instead, a JSON C<null> value is encoded instead of the object.
419disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the
420object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being
421encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
422 478
423If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 479If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
424exception when it encounters a blessed object. 480exception when it encounters a blessed object that it cannot convert
481otherwise.
482
483This setting has no effect on C<decode>.
425 484
426=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 485=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
486
487=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
488
489See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION> for details.
427 490
428If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 491If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
429blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 492blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
430on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 493on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context and
431and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 494the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object.
432C<TO_JSON> method is found, the value of C<allow_blessed> will decide what
433to do.
434 495
435The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON> 496The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON>
436returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same 497returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same
437way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle 498way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle
438(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other 499(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other
439methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are 500methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are
440usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with the C<to_json> 501usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with any C<to_json>
441function. 502function or method.
442 503
443This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the 504If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will not consider
444future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are 505this type of conversion.
445enabled by this setting.
446 506
447If C<$enable> is false, then the C<allow_blessed> setting will decide what 507This setting has no effect on C<decode>.
448to do when a blessed object is found. 508
509=item $json = $json->allow_tags ([$enable])
510
511=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_tags
512
513See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION> for details.
514
515If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
516blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<FREEZE> method on
517the object's class. If found, it will be used to serialise the object into
518a nonstandard tagged JSON value (that JSON decoders cannot decode).
519
520It also causes C<decode> to parse such tagged JSON values and deserialise
521them via a call to the C<THAW> method.
522
523If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will not consider
524this type of conversion, and tagged JSON values will cause a parse error
525in C<decode>, as if tags were not part of the grammar.
449 526
450=item $json = $json->filter_json_object ([$coderef->($hashref)]) 527=item $json = $json->filter_json_object ([$coderef->($hashref)])
451 528
452When C<$coderef> is specified, it will be called from C<decode> each 529When C<$coderef> is specified, it will be called from C<decode> each
453time it decodes a JSON object. The only argument is a reference to the 530time it decodes a JSON object. The only argument is a reference to
454newly-created hash. If the code references returns a single scalar (which 531the newly-created hash. If the code reference returns a single scalar
455need not be a reference), this value (i.e. a copy of that scalar to avoid 532(which need not be a reference), this value (or rather a copy of it) is
456aliasing) is inserted into the deserialised data structure. If it returns 533inserted into the deserialised data structure. If it returns an empty
457an empty list (NOTE: I<not> C<undef>, which is a valid scalar), the 534list (NOTE: I<not> C<undef>, which is a valid scalar), the original
458original deserialised hash will be inserted. This setting can slow down 535deserialised hash will be inserted. This setting can slow down decoding
459decoding considerably. 536considerably.
460 537
461When C<$coderef> is omitted or undefined, any existing callback will 538When C<$coderef> is omitted or undefined, any existing callback will
462be removed and C<decode> will not change the deserialised hash in any 539be removed and C<decode> will not change the deserialised hash in any
463way. 540way.
464 541
488 565
489As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object> 566As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object>
490one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key 567one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key
491objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially 568objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially
492as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept 569as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept
493as JSON gets (its basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not 570as JSON gets (it's basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not
494support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks 571support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks
495like a serialised Perl hash. 572like a serialised Perl hash.
496 573
497Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or 574Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or
498C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even 575C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even
522 599
523 { __widget__ => $self->{id} } 600 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
524 } 601 }
525 602
526=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 603=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
604
605=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
527 606
528Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 607Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
529strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 608strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
530C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 609C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save
531memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many 610memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
549strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 628strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
550internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 629internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
551 630
552=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 631=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
553 632
633=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
634
554Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 635Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
555or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 636or decoding. If a higher nesting level is detected in JSON text or a Perl
556higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will 637data structure, then the encoder and decoder will stop and croak at that
557stop and croak at that point. 638point.
558 639
559Nesting level is defined by number of hash- or arrayrefs that the encoder 640Nesting level is defined by number of hash- or arrayrefs that the encoder
560needs to traverse to reach a given point or the number of C<{> or C<[> 641needs to traverse to reach a given point or the number of C<{> or C<[>
561characters without their matching closing parenthesis crossed to reach a 642characters without their matching closing parenthesis crossed to reach a
562given character in a string. 643given character in a string.
563 644
564Setting the maximum depth to one disallows any nesting, so that ensures 645Setting the maximum depth to one disallows any nesting, so that ensures
565that the object is only a single hash/object or array. 646that the object is only a single hash/object or array.
566 647
567The argument to C<max_depth> will be rounded up to the next highest power
568of two. If no argument is given, the highest possible setting will be 648If no argument is given, the highest possible setting will be used, which
569used, which is rarely useful. 649is rarely useful.
650
651Note that nesting is implemented by recursion in C. The default value has
652been chosen to be as large as typical operating systems allow without
653crashing.
570 654
571See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 655See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
572 656
573=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 657=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
658
659=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
574 660
575Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 661Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is
576being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode> 662being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode>
577is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not 663is called on a string that is longer then this many bytes, it will not
578attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no 664attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no
579effect on C<encode> (yet). 665effect on C<encode> (yet).
580 666
581The argument to C<max_size> will be rounded up to the next B<highest> 667If no argument is given, the limit check will be deactivated (same as when
582power of two (so may be more than requested). If no argument is given, the 668C<0> is specified).
583limit check will be deactivated (same as when C<0> is specified).
584 669
585See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 670See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
586 671
587=item $json_text = $json->encode ($perl_scalar) 672=item $json_text = $json->encode ($perl_scalar)
588 673
589Converts the given Perl data structure (a simple scalar or a reference 674Converts the given Perl value or data structure to its JSON
590to a hash or array) to its JSON representation. Simple scalars will be 675representation. Croaks on error.
591converted into JSON string or number sequences, while references to arrays
592become JSON arrays and references to hashes become JSON objects. Undefined
593Perl values (e.g. C<undef>) become JSON C<null> values. Neither C<true>
594nor C<false> values will be generated.
595 676
596=item $perl_scalar = $json->decode ($json_text) 677=item $perl_scalar = $json->decode ($json_text)
597 678
598The opposite of C<encode>: expects a JSON text and tries to parse it, 679The opposite of C<encode>: expects a JSON text and tries to parse it,
599returning the resulting simple scalar or reference. Croaks on error. 680returning the resulting simple scalar or reference. Croaks on error.
600
601JSON numbers and strings become simple Perl scalars. JSON arrays become
602Perl arrayrefs and JSON objects become Perl hashrefs. C<true> becomes
603C<1>, C<false> becomes C<0> and C<null> becomes C<undef>.
604 681
605=item ($perl_scalar, $characters) = $json->decode_prefix ($json_text) 682=item ($perl_scalar, $characters) = $json->decode_prefix ($json_text)
606 683
607This works like the C<decode> method, but instead of raising an exception 684This works like the C<decode> method, but instead of raising an exception
608when there is trailing garbage after the first JSON object, it will 685when there is trailing garbage after the first JSON object, it will
609silently stop parsing there and return the number of characters consumed 686silently stop parsing there and return the number of characters consumed
610so far. 687so far.
611 688
612This is useful if your JSON texts are not delimited by an outer protocol 689This is useful if your JSON texts are not delimited by an outer protocol
613(which is not the brightest thing to do in the first place) and you need
614to know where the JSON text ends. 690and you need to know where the JSON text ends.
615 691
616 JSON::XS->new->decode_prefix ("[1] the tail") 692 JSON::XS->new->decode_prefix ("[1] the tail")
617 => ([], 3) 693 => ([1], 3)
618 694
619=back 695=back
696
697
698=head1 INCREMENTAL PARSING
699
700In some cases, there is the need for incremental parsing of JSON
701texts. While this module always has to keep both JSON text and resulting
702Perl data structure in memory at one time, it does allow you to parse a
703JSON stream incrementally. It does so by accumulating text until it has
704a full JSON object, which it then can decode. This process is similar to
705using C<decode_prefix> to see if a full JSON object is available, but
706is much more efficient (and can be implemented with a minimum of method
707calls).
708
709JSON::XS will only attempt to parse the JSON text once it is sure it
710has enough text to get a decisive result, using a very simple but
711truly incremental parser. This means that it sometimes won't stop as
712early as the full parser, for example, it doesn't detect mismatched
713parentheses. The only thing it guarantees is that it starts decoding as
714soon as a syntactically valid JSON text has been seen. This means you need
715to set resource limits (e.g. C<max_size>) to ensure the parser will stop
716parsing in the presence if syntax errors.
717
718The following methods implement this incremental parser.
719
720=over
721
722=item [void, scalar or list context] = $json->incr_parse ([$string])
723
724This is the central parsing function. It can both append new text and
725extract objects from the stream accumulated so far (both of these
726functions are optional).
727
728If C<$string> is given, then this string is appended to the already
729existing JSON fragment stored in the C<$json> object.
730
731After that, if the function is called in void context, it will simply
732return without doing anything further. This can be used to add more text
733in as many chunks as you want.
734
735If the method is called in scalar context, then it will try to extract
736exactly I<one> JSON object. If that is successful, it will return this
737object, otherwise it will return C<undef>. If there is a parse error,
738this method will croak just as C<decode> would do (one can then use
739C<incr_skip> to skip the erroneous part). This is the most common way of
740using the method.
741
742And finally, in list context, it will try to extract as many objects
743from the stream as it can find and return them, or the empty list
744otherwise. For this to work, there must be no separators (other than
745whitespace) between the JSON objects or arrays, instead they must be
746concatenated back-to-back. If an error occurs, an exception will be
747raised as in the scalar context case. Note that in this case, any
748previously-parsed JSON texts will be lost.
749
750Example: Parse some JSON arrays/objects in a given string and return
751them.
752
753 my @objs = JSON::XS->new->incr_parse ("[5][7][1,2]");
754
755=item $lvalue_string = $json->incr_text
756
757This method returns the currently stored JSON fragment as an lvalue, that
758is, you can manipulate it. This I<only> works when a preceding call to
759C<incr_parse> in I<scalar context> successfully returned an object. Under
760all other circumstances you must not call this function (I mean it.
761although in simple tests it might actually work, it I<will> fail under
762real world conditions). As a special exception, you can also call this
763method before having parsed anything.
764
765That means you can only use this function to look at or manipulate text
766before or after complete JSON objects, not while the parser is in the
767middle of parsing a JSON object.
768
769This function is useful in two cases: a) finding the trailing text after a
770JSON object or b) parsing multiple JSON objects separated by non-JSON text
771(such as commas).
772
773=item $json->incr_skip
774
775This will reset the state of the incremental parser and will remove
776the parsed text from the input buffer so far. This is useful after
777C<incr_parse> died, in which case the input buffer and incremental parser
778state is left unchanged, to skip the text parsed so far and to reset the
779parse state.
780
781The difference to C<incr_reset> is that only text until the parse error
782occurred is removed.
783
784=item $json->incr_reset
785
786This completely resets the incremental parser, that is, after this call,
787it will be as if the parser had never parsed anything.
788
789This is useful if you want to repeatedly parse JSON objects and want to
790ignore any trailing data, which means you have to reset the parser after
791each successful decode.
792
793=back
794
795=head2 LIMITATIONS
796
797The incremental parser is a non-exact parser: it works by gathering as
798much text as possible that I<could> be a valid JSON text, followed by
799trying to decode it.
800
801That means it sometimes needs to read more data than strictly necessary to
802diagnose an invalid JSON text. For example, after parsing the following
803fragment, the parser I<could> stop with an error, as this fragment
804I<cannot> be the beginning of a valid JSON text:
805
806 [,
807
808In reality, hopwever, the parser might continue to read data until a
809length limit is exceeded or it finds a closing bracket.
810
811=head2 EXAMPLES
812
813Some examples will make all this clearer. First, a simple example that
814works similarly to C<decode_prefix>: We want to decode the JSON object at
815the start of a string and identify the portion after the JSON object:
816
817 my $text = "[1,2,3] hello";
818
819 my $json = new JSON::XS;
820
821 my $obj = $json->incr_parse ($text)
822 or die "expected JSON object or array at beginning of string";
823
824 my $tail = $json->incr_text;
825 # $tail now contains " hello"
826
827Easy, isn't it?
828
829Now for a more complicated example: Imagine a hypothetical protocol where
830you read some requests from a TCP stream, and each request is a JSON
831array, without any separation between them (in fact, it is often useful to
832use newlines as "separators", as these get interpreted as whitespace at
833the start of the JSON text, which makes it possible to test said protocol
834with C<telnet>...).
835
836Here is how you'd do it (it is trivial to write this in an event-based
837manner):
838
839 my $json = new JSON::XS;
840
841 # read some data from the socket
842 while (sysread $socket, my $buf, 4096) {
843
844 # split and decode as many requests as possible
845 for my $request ($json->incr_parse ($buf)) {
846 # act on the $request
847 }
848 }
849
850Another complicated example: Assume you have a string with JSON objects
851or arrays, all separated by (optional) comma characters (e.g. C<[1],[2],
852[3]>). To parse them, we have to skip the commas between the JSON texts,
853and here is where the lvalue-ness of C<incr_text> comes in useful:
854
855 my $text = "[1],[2], [3]";
856 my $json = new JSON::XS;
857
858 # void context, so no parsing done
859 $json->incr_parse ($text);
860
861 # now extract as many objects as possible. note the
862 # use of scalar context so incr_text can be called.
863 while (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
864 # do something with $obj
865
866 # now skip the optional comma
867 $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* , //x;
868 }
869
870Now lets go for a very complex example: Assume that you have a gigantic
871JSON array-of-objects, many gigabytes in size, and you want to parse it,
872but you cannot load it into memory fully (this has actually happened in
873the real world :).
874
875Well, you lost, you have to implement your own JSON parser. But JSON::XS
876can still help you: You implement a (very simple) array parser and let
877JSON decode the array elements, which are all full JSON objects on their
878own (this wouldn't work if the array elements could be JSON numbers, for
879example):
880
881 my $json = new JSON::XS;
882
883 # open the monster
884 open my $fh, "<bigfile.json"
885 or die "bigfile: $!";
886
887 # first parse the initial "["
888 for (;;) {
889 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
890 or die "read error: $!";
891 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
892
893 # Exit the loop once we found and removed(!) the initial "[".
894 # In essence, we are (ab-)using the $json object as a simple scalar
895 # we append data to.
896 last if $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* \[ //x;
897 }
898
899 # now we have the skipped the initial "[", so continue
900 # parsing all the elements.
901 for (;;) {
902 # in this loop we read data until we got a single JSON object
903 for (;;) {
904 if (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
905 # do something with $obj
906 last;
907 }
908
909 # add more data
910 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
911 or die "read error: $!";
912 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
913 }
914
915 # in this loop we read data until we either found and parsed the
916 # separating "," between elements, or the final "]"
917 for (;;) {
918 # first skip whitespace
919 $json->incr_text =~ s/^\s*//;
920
921 # if we find "]", we are done
922 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^\]//) {
923 print "finished.\n";
924 exit;
925 }
926
927 # if we find ",", we can continue with the next element
928 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^,//) {
929 last;
930 }
931
932 # if we find anything else, we have a parse error!
933 if (length $json->incr_text) {
934 die "parse error near ", $json->incr_text;
935 }
936
937 # else add more data
938 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
939 or die "read error: $!";
940 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
941 }
942
943This is a complex example, but most of the complexity comes from the fact
944that we are trying to be correct (bear with me if I am wrong, I never ran
945the above example :).
946
620 947
621 948
622=head1 MAPPING 949=head1 MAPPING
623 950
624This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and 951This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and
625vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 952vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
626circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 953circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
627(what you put in comes out as something equivalent). 954(what you put in comes out as something equivalent).
628 955
629For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions, 956For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions,
630lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppcercase I<Perl> 957lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppercase I<Perl>
631refers to the abstract Perl language itself. 958refers to the abstract Perl language itself.
632 959
633 960
634=head2 JSON -> PERL 961=head2 JSON -> PERL
635 962
636=over 4 963=over
637 964
638=item object 965=item object
639 966
640A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object 967A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object
641keys is preserved (JSON does not preserver object key ordering itself). 968keys is preserved (JSON does not preserve object key ordering itself).
642 969
643=item array 970=item array
644 971
645A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl. 972A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl.
646 973
654 981
655A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or 982A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or
656string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On 983string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On
657the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all 984the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all
658the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and 985the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and
659might represent more values exactly than (floating point) numbers. 986might represent more values exactly than floating point numbers.
660 987
661If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent 988If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent
662it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as 989it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as
663a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of 990a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of
664precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value. 991precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value (in
992which case you lose roundtripping ability, as the JSON number will be
993re-encoded to a JSON string).
665 994
666Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be 995Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be
667represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of 996represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of
668precision. 997precision (in which case you might lose perfect roundtripping ability, but
998the JSON number will still be re-encoded as a JSON number).
669 999
670This might create round-tripping problems as numbers might become strings, 1000Note that precision is not accuracy - binary floating point values cannot
671but as Perl is typeless there is no other way to do it. 1001represent most decimal fractions exactly, and when converting from and to
1002floating point, JSON::XS only guarantees precision up to but not including
1003the least significant bit.
672 1004
673=item true, false 1005=item true, false
674 1006
675These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 1007These JSON atoms become C<Types::Serialiser::true> and
676respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 1008C<Types::Serialiser::false>, respectively. They are overloaded to act
677C<1> and C<0>. You can check wether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using 1009almost exactly like the numbers C<1> and C<0>. You can check whether
678the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function. 1010a scalar is a JSON boolean by using the C<Types::Serialiser::is_bool>
1011function (after C<use Types::Serialier>, of course).
679 1012
680=item null 1013=item null
681 1014
682A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl. 1015A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl.
1016
1017=item shell-style comments (C<< # I<text> >>)
1018
1019As a nonstandard extension to the JSON syntax that is enabled by the
1020C<relaxed> setting, shell-style comments are allowed. They can start
1021anywhere outside strings and go till the end of the line.
1022
1023=item tagged values (C<< (I<tag>)I<value> >>).
1024
1025Another nonstandard extension to the JSON syntax, enabled with the
1026C<allow_tags> setting, are tagged values. In this implementation, the
1027I<tag> must be a perl package/class name encoded as a JSON string, and the
1028I<value> must be a JSON array encoding optional constructor arguments.
1029
1030See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION>, below, for details.
683 1031
684=back 1032=back
685 1033
686 1034
687=head2 PERL -> JSON 1035=head2 PERL -> JSON
688 1036
689The mapping from Perl to JSON is slightly more difficult, as Perl is a 1037The mapping from Perl to JSON is slightly more difficult, as Perl is a
690truly typeless language, so we can only guess which JSON type is meant by 1038truly typeless language, so we can only guess which JSON type is meant by
691a Perl value. 1039a Perl value.
692 1040
693=over 4 1041=over
694 1042
695=item hash references 1043=item hash references
696 1044
697Perl hash references become JSON objects. As there is no inherent ordering 1045Perl hash references become JSON objects. As there is no inherent
698in hash keys (or JSON objects), they will usually be encoded in a 1046ordering in hash keys (or JSON objects), they will usually be encoded
699pseudo-random order that can change between runs of the same program but 1047in a pseudo-random order. JSON::XS can optionally sort the hash keys
700stays generally the same within a single run of a program. JSON::XS can 1048(determined by the I<canonical> flag), so the same datastructure will
701optionally sort the hash keys (determined by the I<canonical> flag), so 1049serialise to the same JSON text (given same settings and version of
702the same datastructure will serialise to the same JSON text (given same 1050JSON::XS), but this incurs a runtime overhead and is only rarely useful,
703settings and version of JSON::XS), but this incurs a runtime overhead 1051e.g. when you want to compare some JSON text against another for equality.
704and is only rarely useful, e.g. when you want to compare some JSON text
705against another for equality.
706 1052
707=item array references 1053=item array references
708 1054
709Perl array references become JSON arrays. 1055Perl array references become JSON arrays.
710 1056
711=item other references 1057=item other references
712 1058
713Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an 1059Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an
714exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and 1060exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and
715C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can 1061C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON.
716also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability.
717 1062
1063Since C<JSON::XS> uses the boolean model from L<Types::Serialiser>, you
1064can also C<use Types::Serialiser> and then use C<Types::Serialiser::false>
1065and C<Types::Serialiser::true> to improve readability.
1066
1067 use Types::Serialiser;
718 to_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true] 1068 encode_json [\0, Types::Serialiser::true] # yields [false,true]
719 1069
720=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false 1070=item Types::Serialiser::true, Types::Serialiser::false
721 1071
722These special values become JSON true and JSON false values, 1072These special values from the L<Types::Serialiser> module become JSON true
723respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want. 1073and JSON false values, respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0>
1074directly if you want.
724 1075
725=item blessed objects 1076=item blessed objects
726 1077
727Blessed objects are not allowed. JSON::XS currently tries to encode their 1078Blessed objects are not directly representable in JSON, but C<JSON::XS>
728underlying representation (hash- or arrayref), but this behaviour might 1079allows various ways of handling objects. See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION>,
729change in future versions. 1080below, for details.
730 1081
731=item simple scalars 1082=item simple scalars
732 1083
733Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most 1084Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most
734difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as 1085difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as
735JSON null value, scalars that have last been used in a string context 1086JSON C<null> values, scalars that have last been used in a string context
736before encoding as JSON strings and anything else as number value: 1087before encoding as JSON strings, and anything else as number value:
737 1088
738 # dump as number 1089 # dump as number
739 to_json [2] # yields [2] 1090 encode_json [2] # yields [2]
740 to_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17] 1091 encode_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17]
741 my $value = 5; to_json [$value] # yields [5] 1092 my $value = 5; encode_json [$value] # yields [5]
742 1093
743 # used as string, so dump as string 1094 # used as string, so dump as string
744 print $value; 1095 print $value;
745 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 1096 encode_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
746 1097
747 # undef becomes null 1098 # undef becomes null
748 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 1099 encode_json [undef] # yields [null]
749 1100
750You can force the type to be a string by stringifying it: 1101You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
751 1102
752 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 1103 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
753 "$x"; # stringified 1104 "$x"; # stringified
754 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 1105 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
755 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 1106 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
756 1107
757You can force the type to be a number by numifying it: 1108You can force the type to be a JSON number by numifying it:
758 1109
759 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 1110 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
760 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 1111 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
761 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choise is yours. 1112 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
762 1113
763You can not currently output JSON booleans or force the type in other, 1114You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
764less obscure, ways. Tell me if you need this capability. 1115if you need this capability (but don't forget to explain why it's needed
1116:).
1117
1118Note that numerical precision has the same meaning as under Perl (so
1119binary to decimal conversion follows the same rules as in Perl, which
1120can differ to other languages). Also, your perl interpreter might expose
1121extensions to the floating point numbers of your platform, such as
1122infinities or NaN's - these cannot be represented in JSON, and it is an
1123error to pass those in.
765 1124
766=back 1125=back
767 1126
1127=head2 OBJECT SERIALISATION
768 1128
769=head1 COMPARISON 1129As JSON cannot directly represent Perl objects, you have to choose between
1130a pure JSON representation (without the ability to deserialise the object
1131automatically again), and a nonstandard extension to the JSON syntax,
1132tagged values.
770 1133
771As already mentioned, this module was created because none of the existing 1134=head3 SERIALISATION
772JSON modules could be made to work correctly. First I will describe the
773problems (or pleasures) I encountered with various existing JSON modules,
774followed by some benchmark values. JSON::XS was designed not to suffer
775from any of these problems or limitations.
776 1135
1136What happens when C<JSON::XS> encounters a Perl object depends on the
1137C<allow_blessed>, C<convert_blessed> and C<allow_tags> settings, which are
1138used in this order:
1139
777=over 4 1140=over
778 1141
779=item JSON 1.07 1142=item 1. C<allow_tags> is enabled and the object has a C<FREEZE> method.
780 1143
781Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 1144In this case, C<JSON::XS> uses the L<Types::Serialiser> object
1145serialisation protocol to create a tagged JSON value, using a nonstandard
1146extension to the JSON syntax.
782 1147
783Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles unicode values is 1148This works by invoking the C<FREEZE> method on the object, with the first
784undocumented. One can get far by feeding it unicode strings and doing 1149argument being the object to serialise, and the second argument being the
785en-/decoding oneself, but unicode escapes are not working properly). 1150constant string C<JSON> to distinguish it from other serialisers.
786 1151
787No roundtripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 1152The C<FREEZE> method can return any number of values (i.e. zero or
788the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will 1153more). These values and the paclkage/classname of the object will then be
789decode into the number 2. 1154encoded as a tagged JSON value in the following format:
790 1155
791=item JSON::PC 0.01 1156 ("classname")[FREEZE return values...]
792 1157
793Very fast. 1158e.g.:
794 1159
795Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 1160 ("URI")["http://www.google.com/"]
1161 ("MyDate")[2013,10,29]
1162 ("ImageData::JPEG")["Z3...VlCg=="]
796 1163
797No roundtripping. 1164For example, the hypothetical C<My::Object> C<FREEZE> method might use the
1165objects C<type> and C<id> members to encode the object:
798 1166
799Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 1167 sub My::Object::FREEZE {
800values will make it croak). 1168 my ($self, $serialiser) = @_;
801 1169
802Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 1170 ($self->{type}, $self->{id})
803which is not a valid JSON text. 1171 }
804 1172
805Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 1173=item 2. C<convert_blessed> is enabled and the object has a C<TO_JSON> method.
806getting fixed).
807 1174
808=item JSON::Syck 0.21 1175In this case, the C<TO_JSON> method of the object is invoked in scalar
1176context. It must return a single scalar that can be directly encoded into
1177JSON. This scalar replaces the object in the JSON text.
809 1178
810Very buggy (often crashes). 1179For example, the following C<TO_JSON> method will convert all L<URI>
1180objects to JSON strings when serialised. The fatc that these values
1181originally were L<URI> objects is lost.
811 1182
812Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 1183 sub URI::TO_JSON {
813undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 1184 my ($uri) = @_;
814single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to 1185 $uri->as_string
815generate ASCII-only JSON texts). 1186 }
816 1187
817Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (unicode 1188=item 3. C<allow_blessed> is enabled.
818escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to
819I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour).
820 1189
821No roundtripping (simple cases work, but this depends on wether the scalar 1190The object will be serialised as a JSON null value.
822value was used in a numeric context or not).
823 1191
824Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state. 1192=item 4. none of the above
825 1193
826Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 1194If none of the settings are enabled or the respective methods are missing,
827getting fixed). 1195C<JSON::XS> throws an exception.
828
829Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
830return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
831issue: imagine two banks transfering money between each other using
832JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money,
833while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
834good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
835the transaction will still not succeed).
836
837=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
838
839Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
840
841Undocumented unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
842still don't get parsed properly).
843
844Very inflexible.
845
846No roundtripping.
847
848Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
849result in nothing being output)
850
851Does not check input for validity.
852 1196
853=back 1197=back
854 1198
1199=head3 DESERIALISATION
1200
1201For deserialisation there are only two cases to consider: either
1202nonstandard tagging was used, in which case C<allow_tags> decides,
1203or objects cannot be automatically be deserialised, in which
1204case you can use postprocessing or the C<filter_json_object> or
1205C<filter_json_single_key_object> callbacks to get some real objects our of
1206your JSON.
1207
1208This section only considers the tagged value case: I a tagged JSON object
1209is encountered during decoding and C<allow_tags> is disabled, a parse
1210error will result (as if tagged values were not part of the grammar).
1211
1212If C<allow_tags> is enabled, C<JSON::XS> will look up the C<THAW> method
1213of the package/classname used during serialisation (it will not attempt
1214to load the package as a Perl module). If there is no such method, the
1215decoding will fail with an error.
1216
1217Otherwise, the C<THAW> method is invoked with the classname as first
1218argument, the constant string C<JSON> as second argument, and all the
1219values from the JSON array (the values originally returned by the
1220C<FREEZE> method) as remaining arguments.
1221
1222The method must then return the object. While technically you can return
1223any Perl scalar, you might have to enable the C<enable_nonref> setting to
1224make that work in all cases, so better return an actual blessed reference.
1225
1226As an example, let's implement a C<THAW> function that regenerates the
1227C<My::Object> from the C<FREEZE> example earlier:
1228
1229 sub My::Object::THAW {
1230 my ($class, $serialiser, $type, $id) = @_;
1231
1232 $class->new (type => $type, id => $id)
1233 }
1234
1235
1236=head1 ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES
1237
1238The interested reader might have seen a number of flags that signify
1239encodings or codesets - C<utf8>, C<latin1> and C<ascii>. There seems to be
1240some confusion on what these do, so here is a short comparison:
1241
1242C<utf8> controls whether the JSON text created by C<encode> (and expected
1243by C<decode>) is UTF-8 encoded or not, while C<latin1> and C<ascii> only
1244control whether C<encode> escapes character values outside their respective
1245codeset range. Neither of these flags conflict with each other, although
1246some combinations make less sense than others.
1247
1248Care has been taken to make all flags symmetrical with respect to
1249C<encode> and C<decode>, that is, texts encoded with any combination of
1250these flag values will be correctly decoded when the same flags are used
1251- in general, if you use different flag settings while encoding vs. when
1252decoding you likely have a bug somewhere.
1253
1254Below comes a verbose discussion of these flags. Note that a "codeset" is
1255simply an abstract set of character-codepoint pairs, while an encoding
1256takes those codepoint numbers and I<encodes> them, in our case into
1257octets. Unicode is (among other things) a codeset, UTF-8 is an encoding,
1258and ISO-8859-1 (= latin 1) and ASCII are both codesets I<and> encodings at
1259the same time, which can be confusing.
1260
1261=over
1262
1263=item C<utf8> flag disabled
1264
1265When C<utf8> is disabled (the default), then C<encode>/C<decode> generate
1266and expect Unicode strings, that is, characters with high ordinal Unicode
1267values (> 255) will be encoded as such characters, and likewise such
1268characters are decoded as-is, no changes to them will be done, except
1269"(re-)interpreting" them as Unicode codepoints or Unicode characters,
1270respectively (to Perl, these are the same thing in strings unless you do
1271funny/weird/dumb stuff).
1272
1273This is useful when you want to do the encoding yourself (e.g. when you
1274want to have UTF-16 encoded JSON texts) or when some other layer does
1275the encoding for you (for example, when printing to a terminal using a
1276filehandle that transparently encodes to UTF-8 you certainly do NOT want
1277to UTF-8 encode your data first and have Perl encode it another time).
1278
1279=item C<utf8> flag enabled
1280
1281If the C<utf8>-flag is enabled, C<encode>/C<decode> will encode all
1282characters using the corresponding UTF-8 multi-byte sequence, and will
1283expect your input strings to be encoded as UTF-8, that is, no "character"
1284of the input string must have any value > 255, as UTF-8 does not allow
1285that.
1286
1287The C<utf8> flag therefore switches between two modes: disabled means you
1288will get a Unicode string in Perl, enabled means you get a UTF-8 encoded
1289octet/binary string in Perl.
1290
1291=item C<latin1> or C<ascii> flags enabled
1292
1293With C<latin1> (or C<ascii>) enabled, C<encode> will escape characters
1294with ordinal values > 255 (> 127 with C<ascii>) and encode the remaining
1295characters as specified by the C<utf8> flag.
1296
1297If C<utf8> is disabled, then the result is also correctly encoded in those
1298character sets (as both are proper subsets of Unicode, meaning that a
1299Unicode string with all character values < 256 is the same thing as a
1300ISO-8859-1 string, and a Unicode string with all character values < 128 is
1301the same thing as an ASCII string in Perl).
1302
1303If C<utf8> is enabled, you still get a correct UTF-8-encoded string,
1304regardless of these flags, just some more characters will be escaped using
1305C<\uXXXX> then before.
1306
1307Note that ISO-8859-1-I<encoded> strings are not compatible with UTF-8
1308encoding, while ASCII-encoded strings are. That is because the ISO-8859-1
1309encoding is NOT a subset of UTF-8 (despite the ISO-8859-1 I<codeset> being
1310a subset of Unicode), while ASCII is.
1311
1312Surprisingly, C<decode> will ignore these flags and so treat all input
1313values as governed by the C<utf8> flag. If it is disabled, this allows you
1314to decode ISO-8859-1- and ASCII-encoded strings, as both strict subsets of
1315Unicode. If it is enabled, you can correctly decode UTF-8 encoded strings.
1316
1317So neither C<latin1> nor C<ascii> are incompatible with the C<utf8> flag -
1318they only govern when the JSON output engine escapes a character or not.
1319
1320The main use for C<latin1> is to relatively efficiently store binary data
1321as JSON, at the expense of breaking compatibility with most JSON decoders.
1322
1323The main use for C<ascii> is to force the output to not contain characters
1324with values > 127, which means you can interpret the resulting string
1325as UTF-8, ISO-8859-1, ASCII, KOI8-R or most about any character set and
13268-bit-encoding, and still get the same data structure back. This is useful
1327when your channel for JSON transfer is not 8-bit clean or the encoding
1328might be mangled in between (e.g. in mail), and works because ASCII is a
1329proper subset of most 8-bit and multibyte encodings in use in the world.
1330
1331=back
1332
1333
1334=head2 JSON and ECMAscript
1335
1336JSON syntax is based on how literals are represented in javascript (the
1337not-standardised predecessor of ECMAscript) which is presumably why it is
1338called "JavaScript Object Notation".
1339
1340However, JSON is not a subset (and also not a superset of course) of
1341ECMAscript (the standard) or javascript (whatever browsers actually
1342implement).
1343
1344If you want to use javascript's C<eval> function to "parse" JSON, you
1345might run into parse errors for valid JSON texts, or the resulting data
1346structure might not be queryable:
1347
1348One of the problems is that U+2028 and U+2029 are valid characters inside
1349JSON strings, but are not allowed in ECMAscript string literals, so the
1350following Perl fragment will not output something that can be guaranteed
1351to be parsable by javascript's C<eval>:
1352
1353 use JSON::XS;
1354
1355 print encode_json [chr 0x2028];
1356
1357The right fix for this is to use a proper JSON parser in your javascript
1358programs, and not rely on C<eval> (see for example Douglas Crockford's
1359F<json2.js> parser).
1360
1361If this is not an option, you can, as a stop-gap measure, simply encode to
1362ASCII-only JSON:
1363
1364 use JSON::XS;
1365
1366 print JSON::XS->new->ascii->encode ([chr 0x2028]);
1367
1368Note that this will enlarge the resulting JSON text quite a bit if you
1369have many non-ASCII characters. You might be tempted to run some regexes
1370to only escape U+2028 and U+2029, e.g.:
1371
1372 # DO NOT USE THIS!
1373 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ([chr 0x2028]);
1374 $json =~ s/\xe2\x80\xa8/\\u2028/g; # escape U+2028
1375 $json =~ s/\xe2\x80\xa9/\\u2029/g; # escape U+2029
1376 print $json;
1377
1378Note that I<this is a bad idea>: the above only works for U+2028 and
1379U+2029 and thus only for fully ECMAscript-compliant parsers. Many existing
1380javascript implementations, however, have issues with other characters as
1381well - using C<eval> naively simply I<will> cause problems.
1382
1383Another problem is that some javascript implementations reserve
1384some property names for their own purposes (which probably makes
1385them non-ECMAscript-compliant). For example, Iceweasel reserves the
1386C<__proto__> property name for its own purposes.
1387
1388If that is a problem, you could parse try to filter the resulting JSON
1389output for these property strings, e.g.:
1390
1391 $json =~ s/"__proto__"\s*:/"__proto__renamed":/g;
1392
1393This works because C<__proto__> is not valid outside of strings, so every
1394occurrence of C<"__proto__"\s*:> must be a string used as property name.
1395
1396If you know of other incompatibilities, please let me know.
1397
855 1398
856=head2 JSON and YAML 1399=head2 JSON and YAML
857 1400
858You often hear that JSON is a subset (or a close subset) of YAML. This is, 1401You often hear that JSON is a subset of YAML. This is, however, a mass
859however, a mass hysteria and very far from the truth. In general, there is 1402hysteria(*) and very far from the truth (as of the time of this writing),
860no way to configure JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML. 1403so let me state it clearly: I<in general, there is no way to configure
1404JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML> that works in all
1405cases.
861 1406
862If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this 1407If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this
863algorithm (subject to change in future versions): 1408algorithm (subject to change in future versions):
864 1409
865 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1); 1410 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1);
866 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 1411 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
867 1412
868This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 1413This will I<usually> generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
869YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 1414YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key
870lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash 1415lengths that JSON doesn't have and also has different and incompatible
1416unicode character escape syntax, so you should make sure that your hash
871keys are noticably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 1417keys are noticeably shorter than the 1024 "stream characters" YAML allows
1418and that you do not have characters with codepoint values outside the
1419Unicode BMP (basic multilingual page). YAML also does not allow C<\/>
1420sequences in strings (which JSON::XS does not I<currently> generate, but
1421other JSON generators might).
872 1422
873There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 1423There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of (or the YAML
1424specification has been changed yet again - it does so quite often). In
874you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa, 1425general you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice
875or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high 1426versa, or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are
876that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 1427high that you will run into severe interoperability problems when you
1428least expect it.
1429
1430=over
1431
1432=item (*)
1433
1434I have been pressured multiple times by Brian Ingerson (one of the
1435authors of the YAML specification) to remove this paragraph, despite him
1436acknowledging that the actual incompatibilities exist. As I was personally
1437bitten by this "JSON is YAML" lie, I refused and said I will continue to
1438educate people about these issues, so others do not run into the same
1439problem again and again. After this, Brian called me a (quote)I<complete
1440and worthless idiot>(unquote).
1441
1442In my opinion, instead of pressuring and insulting people who actually
1443clarify issues with YAML and the wrong statements of some of its
1444proponents, I would kindly suggest reading the JSON spec (which is not
1445that difficult or long) and finally make YAML compatible to it, and
1446educating users about the changes, instead of spreading lies about the
1447real compatibility for many I<years> and trying to silence people who
1448point out that it isn't true.
1449
1450Addendum/2009: the YAML 1.2 spec is still incompatible with JSON, even
1451though the incompatibilities have been documented (and are known to Brian)
1452for many years and the spec makes explicit claims that YAML is a superset
1453of JSON. It would be so easy to fix, but apparently, bullying people and
1454corrupting userdata is so much easier.
1455
1456=back
877 1457
878 1458
879=head2 SPEED 1459=head2 SPEED
880 1460
881It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following 1461It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following
882tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program 1462tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program
883in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own 1463in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own
884system. 1464system.
885 1465
886First comes a comparison between various modules using a very short 1466First comes a comparison between various modules using
887single-line JSON string: 1467a very short single-line JSON string (also available at
1468L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/short.json>).
888 1469
889 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1", "we were just talking"], \ 1470 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1",
890 "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7, true, false]} 1471 "we were just talking"], "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7,
1472 1, 0]}
891 1473
892It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 1474It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
893the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 1475the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
894with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 1476with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
895shrink). Higher is better: 1477shrink. JSON::DWIW/DS uses the deserialise function, while JSON::DWIW::FJ
1478uses the from_json method). Higher is better:
896 1479
897 Storable | 15779.925 | 14169.946 |
898 -----------+------------+------------+
899 module | encode | decode | 1480 module | encode | decode |
900 -----------|------------|------------| 1481 --------------|------------|------------|
901 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 1482 JSON::DWIW/DS | 86302.551 | 102300.098 |
902 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 1483 JSON::DWIW/FJ | 86302.551 | 75983.768 |
903 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 1484 JSON::PP | 15827.562 | 6638.658 |
904 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 1485 JSON::Syck | 63358.066 | 47662.545 |
905 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 1486 JSON::XS | 511500.488 | 511500.488 |
906 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 1487 JSON::XS/2 | 291271.111 | 388361.481 |
907 JSON::XS/2 | 227951.304 | 218453.333 | 1488 JSON::XS/3 | 361577.931 | 361577.931 |
908 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 | 1489 Storable | 66788.280 | 265462.278 |
909 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 |
910 -----------+------------+------------+ 1490 --------------+------------+------------+
911 1491
912That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding, 1492That is, JSON::XS is almost six times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding,
913about three times faster on decoding, and over fourty times faster 1493about five times faster on decoding, and over thirty to seventy times
914than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 1494faster than JSON's pure perl implementation. It also compares favourably
915favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 1495to Storable for small amounts of data.
916 1496
917Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 1497Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
918search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 1498search API (L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/long.json>).
919 1499
920 module | encode | decode | 1500 module | encode | decode |
921 -----------|------------|------------| 1501 --------------|------------|------------|
922 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 1502 JSON::DWIW/DS | 1647.927 | 2673.916 |
923 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 1503 JSON::DWIW/FJ | 1630.249 | 2596.128 |
924 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
925 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 1504 JSON::PP | 400.640 | 62.311 |
926 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 1505 JSON::Syck | 1481.040 | 1524.869 |
927 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 1506 JSON::XS | 20661.596 | 9541.183 |
928 JSON::XS/2 | 3869.998 | 4798.975 | 1507 JSON::XS/2 | 10683.403 | 9416.938 |
929 JSON::XS/3 | 5862.880 | 4798.975 | 1508 JSON::XS/3 | 20661.596 | 9400.054 |
930 Storable | 4445.002 | 5235.027 | 1509 Storable | 19765.806 | 10000.725 |
931 -----------+------------+------------+ 1510 --------------+------------+------------+
932 1511
933Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly 1512Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly
934decodes faster). 1513decodes a bit faster).
935 1514
936On large strings containing lots of high unicode characters, some modules 1515On large strings containing lots of high Unicode characters, some modules
937(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result 1516(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result
938will be broken due to missing (or wrong) unicode handling. Others refuse 1517will be broken due to missing (or wrong) Unicode handling. Others refuse
939to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair 1518to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair
940comparison table for that case. 1519comparison table for that case.
941 1520
942 1521
943=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 1522=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
949any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am 1528any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am
950trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 1529trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
951 1530
952Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should 1531Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
953limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your 1532limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your
954resources run out, thats just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that 1533resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that
955can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is 1534can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is
956usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode 1535usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode
957it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON 1536it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON
958text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you 1537text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you
959might want to check the size before you accept the string. 1538might want to check the size before you accept the string.
960 1539
961Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 1540Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
962arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64 1541arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64
963machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but 1542machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but
964only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak 1543only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak
965to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. to be 1544to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. To be
966conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process 1545conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process
967has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the 1546has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the
968C<max_depth> method. 1547C<max_depth> method.
969 1548
970And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 1549Something else could bomb you, too, that I forgot to think of. In that
971of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, 1550case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, though...
972though... 1551
1552Also keep in mind that JSON::XS might leak contents of your Perl data
1553structures in its error messages, so when you serialise sensitive
1554information you might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by JSON::XS
1555will not end up in front of untrusted eyes.
973 1556
974If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 1557If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
975by javascript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 1558by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
976L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see wether 1559L<http://blog.archive.jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security/> to
977you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1560see whether you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really
978design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major 1561are browser design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with
979browser developers care only for features, not about doing security 1562it, as major browser developers care only for features, not about getting
980right). 1563security right).
981 1564
982 1565
1566=head2 "OLD" VS. "NEW" JSON (RFC4627 VS. RFC7159)
1567
1568JSON originally required JSON texts to represent an array or object -
1569scalar values were explicitly not allowed. This has changed, and versions
1570of JSON::XS beginning with C<4.0> reflect this by allowing scalar values
1571by default.
1572
1573One reason why one might not want this is that this removes a fundamental
1574property of JSON texts, namely that they are self-delimited and
1575self-contained, or in other words, you could take any number of "old"
1576JSON texts and paste them together, and the result would be unambiguously
1577parseable:
1578
1579 [1,3]{"k":5}[][null] # four JSON texts, without doubt
1580
1581By allowing scalars, this property is lost: in the following example, is
1582this one JSON text (the number 12) or two JSON texts (the numbers 1 and
15832):
1584
1585 12 # could be 12, or 1 and 2
1586
1587Another lost property of "old" JSON is that no lookahead is required to
1588know the end of a JSON text, i.e. the JSON text definitely ended at the
1589last C<]> or C<}> character, there was no need to read extra characters.
1590
1591For example, a viable network protocol with "old" JSON was to simply
1592exchange JSON texts without delimiter. For "new" JSON, you have to use a
1593suitable delimiter (such as a newline) after every JSON text or ensure you
1594never encode/decode scalar values.
1595
1596Most protocols do work by only transferring arrays or objects, and the
1597easiest way to avoid problems with the "new" JSON definition is to
1598explicitly disallow scalar values in your encoder and decoder:
1599
1600 $json_coder = JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref (0)
1601
1602This is a somewhat unhappy situation, and the blame can fully be put on
1603JSON's inmventor, Douglas Crockford, who unilaterally changed the format
1604in 2006 without consulting the IETF, forcing the IETF to either fork the
1605format or go with it (as I was told, the IETF wasn't amused).
1606
1607
1608=head1 RELATIONSHIP WITH I-JSON
1609
1610JSON is a somewhat sloppily-defined format - it carries around obvious
1611Javascript baggage, such as not really defining number range, probably
1612because Javascript only has one type of numbers: IEEE 64 bit floats
1613("binary64").
1614
1615For this reaosn, RFC7493 defines "Internet JSON", which is a restricted
1616subset of JSON that is supposedly more interoperable on the internet.
1617
1618While C<JSON::XS> does not offer specific support for I-JSON, it of course
1619accepts valid I-JSON and by default implements some of the limitations
1620of I-JSON, such as parsing numbers as perl numbers, which are usually a
1621superset of binary64 numbers.
1622
1623To generate I-JSON, follow these rules:
1624
1625=over
1626
1627=item * always generate UTF-8
1628
1629I-JSON must be encoded in UTF-8, the default for C<encode_json>.
1630
1631=item * numbers should be within IEEE 754 binary64 range
1632
1633Basically all existing perl installations use binary64 to represent
1634floating point numbers, so all you need to do is to avoid large integers.
1635
1636=item * objects must not have duplicate keys
1637
1638This is trivially done, as C<JSON::XS> does not allow duplicate keys.
1639
1640=item * do not generate scalar JSON texts, use C<< ->allow_nonref (0) >>
1641
1642I-JSON strongly requests you to only encode arrays and objects into JSON.
1643
1644=item * times should be strings in ISO 8601 format
1645
1646There are a myriad of modules on CPAN dealing with ISO 8601 - search for
1647C<ISO8601> on CPAN and use one.
1648
1649=item * encode binary data as base64
1650
1651While it's tempting to just dump binary data as a string (and let
1652C<JSON::XS> do the escaping), for I-JSON, it's I<recommended> to encode
1653binary data as base64.
1654
1655=back
1656
1657There are some other considerations - read RFC7493 for the details if
1658interested.
1659
1660
1661=head1 INTEROPERABILITY WITH OTHER MODULES
1662
1663C<JSON::XS> uses the L<Types::Serialiser> module to provide boolean
1664constants. That means that the JSON true and false values will be
1665comaptible to true and false values of other modules that do the same,
1666such as L<JSON::PP> and L<CBOR::XS>.
1667
1668
1669=head1 INTEROPERABILITY WITH OTHER JSON DECODERS
1670
1671As long as you only serialise data that can be directly expressed in JSON,
1672C<JSON::XS> is incapable of generating invalid JSON output (modulo bugs,
1673but C<JSON::XS> has found more bugs in the official JSON testsuite (1)
1674than the official JSON testsuite has found in C<JSON::XS> (0)).
1675
1676When you have trouble decoding JSON generated by this module using other
1677decoders, then it is very likely that you have an encoding mismatch or the
1678other decoder is broken.
1679
1680When decoding, C<JSON::XS> is strict by default and will likely catch all
1681errors. There are currently two settings that change this: C<relaxed>
1682makes C<JSON::XS> accept (but not generate) some non-standard extensions,
1683and C<allow_tags> will allow you to encode and decode Perl objects, at the
1684cost of not outputting valid JSON anymore.
1685
1686=head2 TAGGED VALUE SYNTAX AND STANDARD JSON EN/DECODERS
1687
1688When you use C<allow_tags> to use the extended (and also nonstandard and
1689invalid) JSON syntax for serialised objects, and you still want to decode
1690the generated When you want to serialise objects, you can run a regex
1691to replace the tagged syntax by standard JSON arrays (it only works for
1692"normal" package names without comma, newlines or single colons). First,
1693the readable Perl version:
1694
1695 # if your FREEZE methods return no values, you need this replace first:
1696 $json =~ s/\( \s* (" (?: [^\\":,]+|\\.|::)* ") \s* \) \s* \[\s*\]/[$1]/gx;
1697
1698 # this works for non-empty constructor arg lists:
1699 $json =~ s/\( \s* (" (?: [^\\":,]+|\\.|::)* ") \s* \) \s* \[/[$1,/gx;
1700
1701And here is a less readable version that is easy to adapt to other
1702languages:
1703
1704 $json =~ s/\(\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*\)\s*\[/[$1,/g;
1705
1706Here is an ECMAScript version (same regex):
1707
1708 json = json.replace (/\(\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*\)\s*\[/g, "[$1,");
1709
1710Since this syntax converts to standard JSON arrays, it might be hard to
1711distinguish serialised objects from normal arrays. You can prepend a
1712"magic number" as first array element to reduce chances of a collision:
1713
1714 $json =~ s/\(\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*\)\s*\[/["XU1peReLzT4ggEllLanBYq4G9VzliwKF",$1,/g;
1715
1716And after decoding the JSON text, you could walk the data
1717structure looking for arrays with a first element of
1718C<XU1peReLzT4ggEllLanBYq4G9VzliwKF>.
1719
1720The same approach can be used to create the tagged format with another
1721encoder. First, you create an array with the magic string as first member,
1722the classname as second, and constructor arguments last, encode it as part
1723of your JSON structure, and then:
1724
1725 $json =~ s/\[\s*"XU1peReLzT4ggEllLanBYq4G9VzliwKF"\s*,\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*,/($1)[/g;
1726
1727Again, this has some limitations - the magic string must not be encoded
1728with character escapes, and the constructor arguments must be non-empty.
1729
1730
983=head1 THREADS 1731=head1 (I-)THREADS
984 1732
985This module is I<not> guarenteed to be thread safe and there are no 1733This module is I<not> guaranteed to be ithread (or MULTIPLICITY-) safe
986plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the 1734and there are no plans to change this. Note that perl's builtin so-called
987horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated 1735threads/ithreads are officially deprecated and should not be used.
988process simulations - use fork, its I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
989 1736
990(It might actually work, but you ahve ben warned). 1737
1738=head1 THE PERILS OF SETLOCALE
1739
1740Sometimes people avoid the Perl locale support and directly call the
1741system's setlocale function with C<LC_ALL>.
1742
1743This breaks both perl and modules such as JSON::XS, as stringification of
1744numbers no longer works correctly (e.g. C<$x = 0.1; print "$x"+1> might
1745print C<1>, and JSON::XS might output illegal JSON as JSON::XS relies on
1746perl to stringify numbers).
1747
1748The solution is simple: don't call C<setlocale>, or use it for only those
1749categories you need, such as C<LC_MESSAGES> or C<LC_CTYPE>.
1750
1751If you need C<LC_NUMERIC>, you should enable it only around the code that
1752actually needs it (avoiding stringification of numbers), and restore it
1753afterwards.
1754
1755
1756=head1 SOME HISTORY
1757
1758At the time this module was created there already were a number of JSON
1759modules available on CPAN, so what was the reason to write yet another
1760JSON module? While it seems there are many JSON modules, none of them
1761correctly handled all corner cases, and in most cases their maintainers
1762are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug reports for other
1763reasons.
1764
1765Beginning with version 2.0 of the JSON module, when both JSON and
1766JSON::XS are installed, then JSON will fall back on JSON::XS (this can be
1767overridden) with no overhead due to emulation (by inheriting constructor
1768and methods). If JSON::XS is not available, it will fall back to the
1769compatible JSON::PP module as backend, so using JSON instead of JSON::XS
1770gives you a portable JSON API that can be fast when you need it and
1771doesn't require a C compiler when that is a problem.
1772
1773Somewhere around version 3, this module was forked into
1774C<Cpanel::JSON::XS>, because its maintainer had serious trouble
1775understanding JSON and insisted on a fork with many bugs "fixed" that
1776weren't actually bugs, while spreading FUD about this module without
1777actually giving any details on his accusations. You be the judge, but
1778in my personal opinion, if you want quality, you will stay away from
1779dangerous forks like that.
991 1780
992 1781
993=head1 BUGS 1782=head1 BUGS
994 1783
995While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1784While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does
996not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is 1785not mean it's bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. If you
997still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they 1786keep reporting bugs they will be fixed swiftly, though.
998will be fixed swiftly, though.
999 1787
1000Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting 1788Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
1001service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason. 1789service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
1002 1790
1003=cut 1791=cut
1004 1792
1005our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1793BEGIN {
1006our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1794 *true = \$Types::Serialiser::true;
1795 *true = \&Types::Serialiser::true;
1796 *false = \$Types::Serialiser::false;
1797 *false = \&Types::Serialiser::false;
1798 *is_bool = \&Types::Serialiser::is_bool;
1007 1799
1008sub true() { $true } 1800 *JSON::XS::Boolean:: = *Types::Serialiser::Boolean::;
1009sub false() { $false }
1010
1011sub is_bool($) {
1012 UNIVERSAL::isa $_[0], "JSON::XS::Boolean"
1013# or UNIVERSAL::isa $_[0], "JSON::Literal"
1014} 1801}
1015 1802
1016XSLoader::load "JSON::XS", $VERSION; 1803XSLoader::load "JSON::XS", $VERSION;
1017 1804
1018package JSON::XS::Boolean; 1805=head1 SEE ALSO
1019 1806
1020use overload 1807The F<json_xs> command line utility for quick experiments.
1021 "0+" => sub { ${$_[0]} },
1022 "++" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} + 1 },
1023 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 },
1024 fallback => 1;
1025
10261;
1027 1808
1028=head1 AUTHOR 1809=head1 AUTHOR
1029 1810
1030 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1811 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1031 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1812 http://home.schmorp.de/
1032 1813
1033=cut 1814=cut
1034 1815
18161
1817

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