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Revision 1.62 by root, Thu Oct 11 22:52:52 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.77 by root, Tue Dec 4 10:37:42 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
21 19
22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref; 20 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref;
23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar); 21 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar);
24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text); 22 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text);
25 23
24 # Note that JSON version 2.0 and above will automatically use JSON::XS
25 # if available, at virtually no speed overhead either, so you should
26 # be able to just:
27
28 use JSON;
29
30 # and do the same things, except that you have a pure-perl fallback now.
31
26=head1 DESCRIPTION 32=head1 DESCRIPTION
27 33
28This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its 34This 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 35primary 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. 36I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C.
37
38Beginning with version 2.0 of the JSON module, when both JSON and
39JSON::XS are installed, then JSON will fall back on JSON::XS (this can be
40overriden) with no overhead due to emulation (by inheritign constructor
41and methods). If JSON::XS is not available, it will fall back to the
42compatible JSON::PP module as backend, so using JSON instead of JSON::XS
43gives you a portable JSON API that can be fast when you need and doesn't
44require a C compiler when that is a problem.
31 45
32As this is the n-th-something JSON module on CPAN, what was the reason 46As 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 47to 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 48modules, none of them correctly handle all corner cases, and in most cases
35their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug 49their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug
42 56
43=head2 FEATURES 57=head2 FEATURES
44 58
45=over 4 59=over 4
46 60
47=item * correct unicode handling 61=item * correct Unicode handling
48 62
49This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when 63This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when
50it does so. 64it does so.
51 65
52=item * round-trip integrity 66=item * round-trip integrity
72This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO 86This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO
73interface. 87interface.
74 88
75=item * reasonably versatile output formats 89=item * reasonably versatile output formats
76 90
77You can choose between the most compact guarenteed single-line format 91You can choose between the most compact guaranteed single-line format
78possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 92possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format
79(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole 93(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 94Unicode 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. 95stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
82 96
83=back 97=back
84 98
85=cut 99=cut
86 100
87package JSON::XS; 101package JSON::XS;
88 102
89use strict; 103use strict;
90 104
91our $VERSION = '1.5'; 105our $VERSION = '2.0';
92our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 106our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
93 107
94our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 108our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json);
95 109
96use Exporter; 110use Exporter;
97use XSLoader; 111use XSLoader;
98 112
99=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 113=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
100 114
101The following convinience methods are provided by this module. They are 115The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
102exported by default: 116exported by default:
103 117
104=over 4 118=over 4
105 119
106=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 120=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar
107 121
108Converts the given Perl data structure (a simple scalar or a reference to 122Converts 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 123(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
110octets only). Croaks on error.
111 124
112This function call is functionally identical to: 125This function call is functionally identical to:
113 126
114 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 127 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
115 128
116except being faster. 129except being faster.
117 130
118=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 131=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text
119 132
120The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries to 133The 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 134to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
122scalar or reference. Croaks on error. 135reference. Croaks on error.
123 136
124This function call is functionally identical to: 137This function call is functionally identical to:
125 138
126 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text) 139 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text)
127 140
137Perl. 150Perl.
138 151
139=back 152=back
140 153
141 154
155=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL
156
157Since this often leads to confusion, here are a few very clear words on
158how Unicode works in Perl, modulo bugs.
159
160=over 4
161
162=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255.
163
164This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
165Perl string - very natural.
166
167=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
168
169Unless you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or printing
170the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your string as
171locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending on various
172settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your data, it is
173I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical metadata.
174
175=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
176encoding of your string.
177
178Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
179XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only
180confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string
181is encoded. You can have Unicode strings with that flag set, with that
182flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag
183clear. Other possibilities exist, too.
184
185If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't
186exist.
187
188=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be
189validly interpreted as a Unicode codepoint.
190
191If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a
192Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string.
193
194=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string.
195
196It's a fact. Learn to live with it.
197
198=back
199
200I hope this helps :)
201
202
142=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE 203=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE
143 204
144The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or 205The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or
145decoding style, within the limits of supported formats. 206decoding style, within the limits of supported formats.
146 207
157 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]}) 218 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]})
158 => {"a": [1, 2]} 219 => {"a": [1, 2]}
159 220
160=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 221=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
161 222
223=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
224
162If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 225If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
163generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 226generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
164unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 227Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
165single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 228single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
166as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native 229as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native
167unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string, 230Unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string,
168or any other superset of ASCII. 231or any other superset of ASCII.
169 232
170If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 233If 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 234characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
172in a faster and more compact format. 235in a faster and more compact format.
178 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 241 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
179 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 242 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
180 243
181=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 244=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
182 245
246=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
247
183If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 248If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
184the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 249the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
185outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 250outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
186latin1-encoded JSON text or a native unicode string. The C<decode> method 251latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
187will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 252will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
188expects unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 253expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
189 254
190If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 255If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
191characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. 256characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags.
192 257
193The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON 258The 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 259text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded
195size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 260size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
196in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 261in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
197transfering), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when 262transferring), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when
198you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently 263you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently
199in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders. 264in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders.
200 265
201 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 266 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
202 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 267 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
203 268
204=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 269=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
270
271=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
205 272
206If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 273If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
207the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 274the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
208C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 275C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please
209note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 276note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
210range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 277range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
211versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16 278versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16
212and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627. 279and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627.
213 280
214If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON 281If 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 282string 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 283Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs
217to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module. 284to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module.
218 285
219Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 286Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
220 287
221 use Encode; 288 use Encode;
243 ] 310 ]
244 } 311 }
245 312
246=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 313=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
247 314
315=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
316
248If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 317If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
249format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 318format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
250into its own line, identing them properly. 319into its own line, indenting them properly.
251 320
252If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the 321If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the
253resulting JSON text is guarenteed not to contain any C<newlines>. 322resulting JSON text is guaranteed not to contain any C<newlines>.
254 323
255This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 324This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
256 325
257=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 326=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
327
328=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
258 329
259If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 330If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
260optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 331optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
261 332
262If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra 333If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra
268Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 339Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
269 340
270 {"key" :"value"} 341 {"key" :"value"}
271 342
272=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 343=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
344
345=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
273 346
274If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 347If 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 348optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
276and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 349and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
277members. 350members.
284Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled: 357Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled:
285 358
286 {"key": "value"} 359 {"key": "value"}
287 360
288=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable]) 361=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
362
363=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
289 364
290If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some 365If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
291extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be 366extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
292affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid 367affected 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 368JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
330 405
331=back 406=back
332 407
333=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 408=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
334 409
410=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
411
335If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 412If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
336by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 413by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
337 414
338If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value 415If 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 416pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs
340of the same script). 417of the same script).
341 418
342This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as 419This 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, 420the 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, 421the same hash might be encoded differently even if contains the same data,
345as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl. 422as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl.
346 423
347This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 424This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
348 425
349=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 426=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
427
428=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
350 429
351If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a 430If 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, 431non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
353which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON 432which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON
354values instead of croaking. 433values instead of croaking.
364 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 443 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!")
365 => "Hello, World!" 444 => "Hello, World!"
366 445
367=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 446=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
368 447
448=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
449
369If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 450If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
370barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 451barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the
371B<convert_blessed> option will decide wether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 452B<convert_blessed> option will decide whether C<null> (C<convert_blessed>
372disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the 453disabled or no C<TO_JSON> method found) or a representation of the
373object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being 454object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<TO_JSON> method found) is being
374encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>. 455encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
375 456
376If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 457If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
377exception when it encounters a blessed object. 458exception when it encounters a blessed object.
378 459
379=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 460=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
461
462=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
380 463
381If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 464If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
382blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 465blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
383on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 466on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context
384and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 467and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no
441 524
442As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object> 525As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object>
443one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key 526one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key
444objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially 527objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially
445as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept 528as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept
446as JSON gets (its basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not 529as JSON gets (it's basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not
447support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks 530support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks
448like a serialised Perl hash. 531like a serialised Perl hash.
449 532
450Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or 533Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or
451C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even 534C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even
475 558
476 { __widget__ => $self->{id} } 559 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
477 } 560 }
478 561
479=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 562=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
563
564=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
480 565
481Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 566Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
482strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 567strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
483C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 568C<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 569memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
502strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 587strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
503internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 588internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
504 589
505=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 590=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
506 591
592=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
593
507Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 594Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
508or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 595or 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 596higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will
510stop and croak at that point. 597stop and croak at that point.
511 598
522used, which is rarely useful. 609used, which is rarely useful.
523 610
524See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 611See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
525 612
526=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 613=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
614
615=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
527 616
528Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 617Set 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> 618being 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 619is 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 620attempt 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 667vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
579circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 668circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
580(what you put in comes out as something equivalent). 669(what you put in comes out as something equivalent).
581 670
582For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions, 671For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions,
583lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppcercase I<Perl> 672lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppercase I<Perl>
584refers to the abstract Perl language itself. 673refers to the abstract Perl language itself.
585 674
586 675
587=head2 JSON -> PERL 676=head2 JSON -> PERL
588 677
589=over 4 678=over 4
590 679
591=item object 680=item object
592 681
593A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object 682A 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). 683keys is preserved (JSON does not preserve object key ordering itself).
595 684
596=item array 685=item array
597 686
598A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl. 687A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl.
599 688
625 714
626=item true, false 715=item true, false
627 716
628These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 717These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>,
629respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 718respectively. 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 719C<1> and C<0>. You can check whether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using
631the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function. 720the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function.
632 721
633=item null 722=item null
634 723
635A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl. 724A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl.
698 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 787 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
699 788
700 # undef becomes null 789 # undef becomes null
701 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 790 to_json [undef] # yields [null]
702 791
703You can force the type to be a string by stringifying it: 792You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
704 793
705 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 794 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
706 "$x"; # stringified 795 "$x"; # stringified
707 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 796 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
708 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 797 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
709 798
710You can force the type to be a number by numifying it: 799You can force the type to be a JSON number by numifying it:
711 800
712 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 801 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
713 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 802 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
714 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choise is yours. 803 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
715 804
716You can not currently output JSON booleans or force the type in other, 805You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
717less obscure, ways. Tell me if you need this capability. 806if you need this capability.
718 807
719=back 808=back
720 809
721 810
722=head1 COMPARISON 811=head1 COMPARISON
731 820
732=item JSON 1.07 821=item JSON 1.07
733 822
734Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 823Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl).
735 824
736Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles unicode values is 825Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles Unicode values is
737undocumented. One can get far by feeding it unicode strings and doing 826undocumented. One can get far by feeding it Unicode strings and doing
738en-/decoding oneself, but unicode escapes are not working properly). 827en-/decoding oneself, but Unicode escapes are not working properly).
739 828
740No roundtripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 829No 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 830the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will
742decode into the number 2. 831decode into the number 2.
743 832
744=item JSON::PC 0.01 833=item JSON::PC 0.01
745 834
746Very fast. 835Very fast.
747 836
748Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 837Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling.
749 838
750No roundtripping. 839No round-tripping.
751 840
752Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 841Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic
753values will make it croak). 842values will make it croak).
754 843
755Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 844Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}>
765Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 854Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much
766undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 855undocumented. 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 856single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to
768generate ASCII-only JSON texts). 857generate ASCII-only JSON texts).
769 858
770Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (unicode 859Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (Unicode
771escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to 860escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to
772I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour). 861I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour).
773 862
774No roundtripping (simple cases work, but this depends on wether the scalar 863No round-tripping (simple cases work, but this depends on whether the scalar
775value was used in a numeric context or not). 864value was used in a numeric context or not).
776 865
777Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state. 866Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state.
778 867
779Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 868Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not
780getting fixed). 869getting fixed).
781 870
782Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and 871Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
783return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security 872return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
784issue: imagine two banks transfering money between each other using 873issue: imagine two banks transferring money between each other using
785JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money, 874JSON. 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 875while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
787good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and 876good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
788the transaction will still not succeed). 877the transaction will still not succeed).
789 878
790=item JSON::DWIW 0.04 879=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
791 880
792Very fast. Very natural. Very nice. 881Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
793 882
794Undocumented unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes 883Undocumented Unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
795still don't get parsed properly). 884still don't get parsed properly).
796 885
797Very inflexible. 886Very inflexible.
798 887
799No roundtripping. 888No round-tripping.
800 889
801Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys 890Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
802result in nothing being output) 891result in nothing being output)
803 892
804Does not check input for validity. 893Does not check input for validity.
819 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 908 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
820 909
821This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 910This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
822YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 911YAML. 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 912lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash
824keys are noticably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 913keys are noticeably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows.
825 914
826There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 915There 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, 916you 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 917or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high
829that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 918that you will run into severe interoperability problems.
845It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 934It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
846the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 935the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
847with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 936with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
848shrink). Higher is better: 937shrink). Higher is better:
849 938
850 Storable | 15779.925 | 14169.946 |
851 -----------+------------+------------+
852 module | encode | decode | 939 module | encode | decode |
853 -----------|------------|------------| 940 -----------|------------|------------|
854 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 941 JSON 1.x | 4990.842 | 4088.813 |
855 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 942 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 |
856 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 943 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 |
857 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 944 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 |
858 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 945 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 |
859 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 946 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 |
861 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 | 948 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 |
862 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 | 949 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 |
863 -----------+------------+------------+ 950 -----------+------------+------------+
864 951
865That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding, 952That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding,
866about three times faster on decoding, and over fourty times faster 953about three times faster on decoding, and over forty times faster
867than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 954than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares
868favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 955favourably to Storable for small amounts of data.
869 956
870Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 957Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
871search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 958search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg):
872 959
873 module | encode | decode | 960 module | encode | decode |
874 -----------|------------|------------| 961 -----------|------------|------------|
875 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 962 JSON 1.x | 55.260 | 34.971 |
876 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 963 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 |
877 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 | 964 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
878 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 965 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 |
879 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 966 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 |
880 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 967 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 |
884 -----------+------------+------------+ 971 -----------+------------+------------+
885 972
886Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly 973Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly
887decodes faster). 974decodes faster).
888 975
889On large strings containing lots of high unicode characters, some modules 976On 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 977(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 978will be broken due to missing (or wrong) Unicode handling. Others refuse
892to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair 979to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair
893comparison table for that case. 980comparison table for that case.
894 981
895 982
896=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 983=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
902any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am 989any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am
903trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 990trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
904 991
905Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should 992Second, 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 993limit 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 994resources 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 995can 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 996usually 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 997it 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 998text, 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. 999might want to check the size before you accept the string.
923And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 1010And 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, 1011of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints,
925though... 1012though...
926 1013
927If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 1014If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
928by javascript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 1015by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
929L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see wether 1016L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see whether
930you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1017you 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 1018design 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 1019browser developers care only for features, not about doing security
933right). 1020right).
934 1021
935 1022
1023=head1 THREADS
1024
1025This module is I<not> guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no
1026plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the
1027horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated
1028process simulations - use fork, its I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
1029
1030(It might actually work, but you have been warned).
1031
1032
936=head1 BUGS 1033=head1 BUGS
937 1034
938While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1035While 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 1036not 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 1037still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they
941will be fixed swiftly, though. 1038will be fixed swiftly, though.
1039
1040Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
1041service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
942 1042
943=cut 1043=cut
944 1044
945our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1045our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };
946our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1046our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };

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