ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/JSON-XS/XS.pm
(Generate patch)

Comparing JSON-XS/XS.pm (file contents):
Revision 1.62 by root, Thu Oct 11 22:52:52 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.75 by root, Thu Nov 29 13:35:35 2007 UTC

1=encoding utf-8
2
3=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
4 2
5JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast 3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
6 4
7JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ 5JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ
42 40
43=head2 FEATURES 41=head2 FEATURES
44 42
45=over 4 43=over 4
46 44
47=item * correct unicode handling 45=item * correct Unicode handling
48 46
49This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when 47This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when
50it does so. 48it does so.
51 49
52=item * round-trip integrity 50=item * round-trip integrity
72This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO 70This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO
73interface. 71interface.
74 72
75=item * reasonably versatile output formats 73=item * reasonably versatile output formats
76 74
77You can choose between the most compact guarenteed single-line format 75You can choose between the most compact guaranteed single-line format
78possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 76possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format
79(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole 77(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 78Unicode 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. 79stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
82 80
83=back 81=back
84 82
85=cut 83=cut
86 84
87package JSON::XS; 85package JSON::XS;
88 86
89use strict; 87use strict;
90 88
91our $VERSION = '1.5'; 89our $VERSION = '2.0';
92our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 90our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
93 91
94our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 92our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json);
95 93
96use Exporter; 94use Exporter;
97use XSLoader; 95use XSLoader;
98 96
99=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 97=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
100 98
101The following convinience methods are provided by this module. They are 99The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
102exported by default: 100exported by default:
103 101
104=over 4 102=over 4
105 103
106=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 104=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar
107 105
108Converts the given Perl data structure (a simple scalar or a reference to 106Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string
109a hash or array) to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string (that is, the string contains 107(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
110octets only). Croaks on error.
111 108
112This function call is functionally identical to: 109This function call is functionally identical to:
113 110
114 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 111 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
115 112
116except being faster. 113except being faster.
117 114
118=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 115=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text
119 116
120The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries to 117The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries
121parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting simple 118to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
122scalar or reference. Croaks on error. 119reference. Croaks on error.
123 120
124This function call is functionally identical to: 121This function call is functionally identical to:
125 122
126 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text) 123 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text)
127 124
137Perl. 134Perl.
138 135
139=back 136=back
140 137
141 138
139=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL
140
141Since this often leads to confusion, here are a few very clear words on
142how Unicode works in Perl, modulo bugs.
143
144=over 4
145
146=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255.
147
148This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
149Perl string - very natural.
150
151=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
152
153Unless you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or printing
154the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your string as
155locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending on various
156settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your data, it is
157I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical metadata.
158
159=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
160encoding of your string.
161
162Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
163XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only
164confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string
165is encoded. You can have Unicode strings with that flag set, with that
166flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag
167clear. Other possibilities exist, too.
168
169If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't
170exist.
171
172=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be
173validly interpreted as a Unicode codepoint.
174
175If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a
176Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string.
177
178=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string.
179
180It's a fact. Learn to live with it.
181
182=back
183
184I hope this helps :)
185
186
142=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE 187=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE
143 188
144The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or 189The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or
145decoding style, within the limits of supported formats. 190decoding style, within the limits of supported formats.
146 191
157 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]}) 202 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]})
158 => {"a": [1, 2]} 203 => {"a": [1, 2]}
159 204
160=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 205=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
161 206
207=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
208
162If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 209If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
163generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 210generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
164unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 211Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
165single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 212single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
166as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native 213as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native
167unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string, 214Unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string,
168or any other superset of ASCII. 215or any other superset of ASCII.
169 216
170If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 217If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
171characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results 218characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
172in a faster and more compact format. 219in a faster and more compact format.
178 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 225 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
179 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 226 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
180 227
181=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 228=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
182 229
230=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
231
183If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 232If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
184the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 233the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
185outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 234outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
186latin1-encoded JSON text or a native unicode string. The C<decode> method 235latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
187will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 236will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
188expects unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 237expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
189 238
190If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 239If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
191characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. 240characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags.
192 241
193The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON 242The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON
194text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded 243text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded
195size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 244size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
196in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 245in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
197transfering), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when 246transferring), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when
198you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently 247you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently
199in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders. 248in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders.
200 249
201 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 250 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
202 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 251 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
203 252
204=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 253=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
254
255=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
205 256
206If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 257If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
207the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 258the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
208C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 259C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please
209note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 260note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
210range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 261range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
211versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16 262versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16
212and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627. 263and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627.
213 264
214If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON 265If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON
215string as a (non-encoded) unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a 266string as a (non-encoded) Unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a
216unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs 267Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs
217to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module. 268to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module.
218 269
219Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 270Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
220 271
221 use Encode; 272 use Encode;
243 ] 294 ]
244 } 295 }
245 296
246=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 297=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
247 298
299=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
300
248If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 301If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
249format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 302format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
250into its own line, identing them properly. 303into its own line, indenting them properly.
251 304
252If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the 305If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the
253resulting JSON text is guarenteed not to contain any C<newlines>. 306resulting JSON text is guaranteed not to contain any C<newlines>.
254 307
255This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 308This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
256 309
257=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 310=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
311
312=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
258 313
259If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 314If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
260optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 315optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
261 316
262If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra 317If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra
268Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 323Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
269 324
270 {"key" :"value"} 325 {"key" :"value"}
271 326
272=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 327=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
328
329=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
273 330
274If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 331If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
275optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects 332optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
276and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 333and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
277members. 334members.
284Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled: 341Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled:
285 342
286 {"key": "value"} 343 {"key": "value"}
287 344
288=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable]) 345=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
346
347=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
289 348
290If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some 349If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
291extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be 350extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
292affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid 351affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid
293JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to 352JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
330 389
331=back 390=back
332 391
333=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 392=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
334 393
394=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
395
335If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 396If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
336by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 397by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
337 398
338If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value 399If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value
339pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs 400pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs
340of the same script). 401of the same script).
341 402
342This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as 403This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as
343the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled, 404the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled,
344the same hash migh be encoded differently even if contains the same data, 405the same hash might be encoded differently even if contains the same data,
345as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl. 406as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl.
346 407
347This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 408This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
348 409
349=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 410=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
411
412=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
350 413
351If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a 414If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a
352non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value, 415non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
353which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON 416which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON
354values instead of croaking. 417values instead of croaking.
364 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 427 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!")
365 => "Hello, World!" 428 => "Hello, World!"
366 429
367=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 430=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
368 431
432=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
433
369If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 434If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
370barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 435barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the
371B<convert_blessed> option will decide wether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 436B<convert_blessed> option will decide whether C<null> (C<convert_blessed>
372disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the 437disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the
373object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being 438object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being
374encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>. 439encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
375 440
376If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 441If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
377exception when it encounters a blessed object. 442exception when it encounters a blessed object.
378 443
379=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 444=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
445
446=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
380 447
381If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 448If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
382blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 449blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
383on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 450on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context
384and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 451and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no
441 508
442As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object> 509As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object>
443one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key 510one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key
444objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially 511objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially
445as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept 512as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept
446as JSON gets (its basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not 513as JSON gets (it's basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not
447support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks 514support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks
448like a serialised Perl hash. 515like a serialised Perl hash.
449 516
450Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or 517Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or
451C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even 518C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even
475 542
476 { __widget__ => $self->{id} } 543 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
477 } 544 }
478 545
479=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 546=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
547
548=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
480 549
481Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 550Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
482strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 551strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
483C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 552C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save
484memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many 553memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
502strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 571strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
503internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 572internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
504 573
505=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 574=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
506 575
576=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
577
507Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 578Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
508or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 579or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or
509higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will 580higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will
510stop and croak at that point. 581stop and croak at that point.
511 582
522used, which is rarely useful. 593used, which is rarely useful.
523 594
524See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 595See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
525 596
526=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 597=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
598
599=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
527 600
528Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 601Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is
529being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode> 602being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode>
530is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not 603is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not
531attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no 604attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no
578vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 651vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
579circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 652circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
580(what you put in comes out as something equivalent). 653(what you put in comes out as something equivalent).
581 654
582For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions, 655For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions,
583lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppcercase I<Perl> 656lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppercase I<Perl>
584refers to the abstract Perl language itself. 657refers to the abstract Perl language itself.
585 658
586 659
587=head2 JSON -> PERL 660=head2 JSON -> PERL
588 661
589=over 4 662=over 4
590 663
591=item object 664=item object
592 665
593A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object 666A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object
594keys is preserved (JSON does not preserver object key ordering itself). 667keys is preserved (JSON does not preserve object key ordering itself).
595 668
596=item array 669=item array
597 670
598A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl. 671A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl.
599 672
625 698
626=item true, false 699=item true, false
627 700
628These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 701These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>,
629respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 702respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers
630C<1> and C<0>. You can check wether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using 703C<1> and C<0>. You can check whether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using
631the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function. 704the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function.
632 705
633=item null 706=item null
634 707
635A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl. 708A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl.
698 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 771 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
699 772
700 # undef becomes null 773 # undef becomes null
701 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 774 to_json [undef] # yields [null]
702 775
703You can force the type to be a string by stringifying it: 776You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
704 777
705 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 778 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
706 "$x"; # stringified 779 "$x"; # stringified
707 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 780 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
708 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 781 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
709 782
710You can force the type to be a number by numifying it: 783You can force the type to be a JSON number by numifying it:
711 784
712 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 785 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
713 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 786 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
714 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choise is yours. 787 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
715 788
716You can not currently output JSON booleans or force the type in other, 789You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
717less obscure, ways. Tell me if you need this capability. 790if you need this capability.
718 791
719=back 792=back
720 793
721 794
722=head1 COMPARISON 795=head1 COMPARISON
731 804
732=item JSON 1.07 805=item JSON 1.07
733 806
734Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 807Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl).
735 808
736Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles unicode values is 809Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles Unicode values is
737undocumented. One can get far by feeding it unicode strings and doing 810undocumented. One can get far by feeding it Unicode strings and doing
738en-/decoding oneself, but unicode escapes are not working properly). 811en-/decoding oneself, but Unicode escapes are not working properly).
739 812
740No roundtripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 813No round-tripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g.
741the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will 814the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will
742decode into the number 2. 815decode into the number 2.
743 816
744=item JSON::PC 0.01 817=item JSON::PC 0.01
745 818
746Very fast. 819Very fast.
747 820
748Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 821Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling.
749 822
750No roundtripping. 823No round-tripping.
751 824
752Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 825Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic
753values will make it croak). 826values will make it croak).
754 827
755Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 828Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}>
765Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 838Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much
766undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 839undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a
767single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to 840single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to
768generate ASCII-only JSON texts). 841generate ASCII-only JSON texts).
769 842
770Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (unicode 843Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (Unicode
771escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to 844escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to
772I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour). 845I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour).
773 846
774No roundtripping (simple cases work, but this depends on wether the scalar 847No round-tripping (simple cases work, but this depends on whether the scalar
775value was used in a numeric context or not). 848value was used in a numeric context or not).
776 849
777Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state. 850Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state.
778 851
779Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 852Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not
780getting fixed). 853getting fixed).
781 854
782Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and 855Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
783return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security 856return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
784issue: imagine two banks transfering money between each other using 857issue: imagine two banks transferring money between each other using
785JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money, 858JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money,
786while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a 859while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
787good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and 860good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
788the transaction will still not succeed). 861the transaction will still not succeed).
789 862
790=item JSON::DWIW 0.04 863=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
791 864
792Very fast. Very natural. Very nice. 865Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
793 866
794Undocumented unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes 867Undocumented Unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
795still don't get parsed properly). 868still don't get parsed properly).
796 869
797Very inflexible. 870Very inflexible.
798 871
799No roundtripping. 872No round-tripping.
800 873
801Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys 874Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
802result in nothing being output) 875result in nothing being output)
803 876
804Does not check input for validity. 877Does not check input for validity.
819 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 892 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
820 893
821This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 894This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
822YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 895YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key
823lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash 896lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash
824keys are noticably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 897keys are noticeably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows.
825 898
826There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 899There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general
827you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa, 900you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa,
828or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high 901or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high
829that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 902that you will run into severe interoperability problems.
845It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 918It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
846the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 919the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
847with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 920with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
848shrink). Higher is better: 921shrink). Higher is better:
849 922
850 Storable | 15779.925 | 14169.946 |
851 -----------+------------+------------+
852 module | encode | decode | 923 module | encode | decode |
853 -----------|------------|------------| 924 -----------|------------|------------|
854 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 925 JSON 1.x | 4990.842 | 4088.813 |
855 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 926 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 |
856 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 927 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 |
857 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 928 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 |
858 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 929 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 |
859 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 930 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 |
861 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 | 932 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 |
862 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 | 933 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 |
863 -----------+------------+------------+ 934 -----------+------------+------------+
864 935
865That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding, 936That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding,
866about three times faster on decoding, and over fourty times faster 937about three times faster on decoding, and over forty times faster
867than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 938than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares
868favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 939favourably to Storable for small amounts of data.
869 940
870Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 941Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
871search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 942search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg):
872 943
873 module | encode | decode | 944 module | encode | decode |
874 -----------|------------|------------| 945 -----------|------------|------------|
875 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 946 JSON 1.x | 55.260 | 34.971 |
876 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 947 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 |
877 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 | 948 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
878 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 949 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 |
879 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 950 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 |
880 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 951 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 |
884 -----------+------------+------------+ 955 -----------+------------+------------+
885 956
886Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly 957Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly
887decodes faster). 958decodes faster).
888 959
889On large strings containing lots of high unicode characters, some modules 960On large strings containing lots of high Unicode characters, some modules
890(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result 961(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result
891will be broken due to missing (or wrong) unicode handling. Others refuse 962will be broken due to missing (or wrong) Unicode handling. Others refuse
892to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair 963to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair
893comparison table for that case. 964comparison table for that case.
894 965
895 966
896=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 967=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
902any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am 973any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am
903trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 974trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
904 975
905Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should 976Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
906limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your 977limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your
907resources run out, thats just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that 978resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that
908can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is 979can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is
909usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode 980usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode
910it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON 981it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON
911text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you 982text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you
912might want to check the size before you accept the string. 983might want to check the size before you accept the string.
923And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 994And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think
924of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, 995of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints,
925though... 996though...
926 997
927If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 998If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
928by javascript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 999by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
929L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see wether 1000L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see whether
930you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1001you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser
931design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major 1002design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major
932browser developers care only for features, not about doing security 1003browser developers care only for features, not about doing security
933right). 1004right).
934 1005
935 1006
1007=head1 THREADS
1008
1009This module is I<not> guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no
1010plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the
1011horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated
1012process simulations - use fork, its I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
1013
1014(It might actually work, but you have been warned).
1015
1016
936=head1 BUGS 1017=head1 BUGS
937 1018
938While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1019While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does
939not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is 1020not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is
940still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they 1021still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they
941will be fixed swiftly, though. 1022will be fixed swiftly, though.
1023
1024Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
1025service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
942 1026
943=cut 1027=cut
944 1028
945our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1029our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };
946our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1030our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines