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Revision 1.61 by root, Wed Sep 12 17:42:36 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.83 by root, Sun Jan 20 19:19:07 2008 UTC

1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast 3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
4
5JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ
6 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html)
4 7
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 9
7 use JSON::XS; 10 use JSON::XS;
8 11
9 # exported functions, they croak on error 12 # exported functions, they croak on error
10 # and expect/generate UTF-8 13 # and expect/generate UTF-8
11 14
12 $utf8_encoded_json_text = to_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref; 15 $utf8_encoded_json_text = encode_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref;
13 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = from_json $utf8_encoded_json_text; 16 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = decode_json $utf8_encoded_json_text;
14 17
15 # OO-interface 18 # OO-interface
16 19
17 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref; 20 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref;
18 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar); 21 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar);
19 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text); 22 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text);
20 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
21=head1 DESCRIPTION 32=head1 DESCRIPTION
22 33
23This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its 34This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its
24primary 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
25I<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.
26 45
27As 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
28to 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
29modules, 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
30their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug 49their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug
37 56
38=head2 FEATURES 57=head2 FEATURES
39 58
40=over 4 59=over 4
41 60
42=item * correct unicode handling 61=item * correct Unicode handling
43 62
44This 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
45it does so. 64it does so.
46 65
47=item * round-trip integrity 66=item * round-trip integrity
67This 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
68interface. 87interface.
69 88
70=item * reasonably versatile output formats 89=item * reasonably versatile output formats
71 90
72You can choose between the most compact guarenteed single-line format 91You can choose between the most compact guaranteed single-line format
73possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 92possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format
74(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
75unicode 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
76stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like. 95stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
77 96
78=back 97=back
79 98
80=cut 99=cut
81 100
82package JSON::XS; 101package JSON::XS;
83 102
84use strict; 103use strict;
85 104
86our $VERSION = '1.5'; 105our $VERSION = '2.01';
87our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 106our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
88 107
89our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 108our @EXPORT = qw(encode_json decode_json to_json from_json);
109
110sub to_json($) {
111 require Carp;
112 Carp::croak ("JSON::XS::to_json has been renamed to encode_json, either downgrade to pre-2.0 versions of JSON::XS or rename the call");
113}
114
115sub from_json($) {
116 require Carp;
117 Carp::croak ("JSON::XS::from_json has been renamed to decode_json, either downgrade to pre-2.0 versions of JSON::XS or rename the call");
118}
90 119
91use Exporter; 120use Exporter;
92use XSLoader; 121use XSLoader;
93 122
94=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 123=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
95 124
96The following convinience methods are provided by this module. They are 125The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
97exported by default: 126exported by default:
98 127
99=over 4 128=over 4
100 129
101=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 130=item $json_text = encode_json $perl_scalar
102 131
103Converts the given Perl data structure (a simple scalar or a reference to 132Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string
104a hash or array) to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string (that is, the string contains 133(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
105octets only). Croaks on error.
106 134
107This function call is functionally identical to: 135This function call is functionally identical to:
108 136
109 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 137 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
110 138
111except being faster. 139except being faster.
112 140
113=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 141=item $perl_scalar = decode_json $json_text
114 142
115The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries to 143The opposite of C<encode_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries
116parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting simple 144to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
117scalar or reference. Croaks on error. 145reference. Croaks on error.
118 146
119This function call is functionally identical to: 147This function call is functionally identical to:
120 148
121 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text) 149 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text)
122 150
132Perl. 160Perl.
133 161
134=back 162=back
135 163
136 164
165=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL
166
167Since this often leads to confusion, here are a few very clear words on
168how Unicode works in Perl, modulo bugs.
169
170=over 4
171
172=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255.
173
174This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
175Perl string - very natural.
176
177=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
178
179Unless you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or printing
180the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your string as
181locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending on various
182settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your data, it is
183I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical metadata.
184
185=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
186encoding of your string.
187
188Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
189XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only
190confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string
191is encoded. You can have Unicode strings with that flag set, with that
192flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag
193clear. Other possibilities exist, too.
194
195If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't
196exist.
197
198=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be
199validly interpreted as a Unicode codepoint.
200
201If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a
202Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string.
203
204=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string.
205
206It's a fact. Learn to live with it.
207
208=back
209
210I hope this helps :)
211
212
137=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE 213=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE
138 214
139The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or 215The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or
140decoding style, within the limits of supported formats. 216decoding style, within the limits of supported formats.
141 217
152 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]}) 228 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]})
153 => {"a": [1, 2]} 229 => {"a": [1, 2]}
154 230
155=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 231=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
156 232
233=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
234
157If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 235If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
158generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 236generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
159unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 237Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
160single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 238single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
161as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native 239as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native
162unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string, 240Unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string,
163or any other superset of ASCII. 241or any other superset of ASCII.
164 242
165If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 243If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
166characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results 244characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
167in a faster and more compact format. 245in a faster and more compact format.
173 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 251 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
174 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 252 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
175 253
176=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 254=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
177 255
256=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
257
178If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 258If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
179the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 259the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
180outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 260outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
181latin1-encoded JSON text or a native unicode string. The C<decode> method 261latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
182will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 262will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
183expects unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 263expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
184 264
185If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 265If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
186characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. 266characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags.
187 267
188The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON 268The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON
189text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded 269text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded
190size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 270size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
191in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 271in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
192transfering), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when 272transferring), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when
193you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently 273you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently
194in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders. 274in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders.
195 275
196 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 276 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
197 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 277 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
198 278
199=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 279=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
280
281=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
200 282
201If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 283If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
202the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 284the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
203C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 285C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please
204note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 286note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
205range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 287range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
206versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16 288versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16
207and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627. 289and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627.
208 290
209If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON 291If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON
210string as a (non-encoded) unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a 292string as a (non-encoded) Unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a
211unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs 293Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs
212to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module. 294to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module.
213 295
214Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 296Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
215 297
216 use Encode; 298 use Encode;
238 ] 320 ]
239 } 321 }
240 322
241=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 323=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
242 324
325=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
326
243If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 327If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
244format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 328format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
245into its own line, identing them properly. 329into its own line, indenting them properly.
246 330
247If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the 331If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the
248resulting JSON text is guarenteed not to contain any C<newlines>. 332resulting JSON text is guaranteed not to contain any C<newlines>.
249 333
250This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 334This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
251 335
252=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 336=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
337
338=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
253 339
254If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 340If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
255optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 341optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
256 342
257If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra 343If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra
263Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 349Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
264 350
265 {"key" :"value"} 351 {"key" :"value"}
266 352
267=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 353=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
354
355=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
268 356
269If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 357If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
270optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects 358optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
271and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 359and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
272members. 360members.
279Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled: 367Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled:
280 368
281 {"key": "value"} 369 {"key": "value"}
282 370
283=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable]) 371=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
372
373=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
284 374
285If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some 375If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
286extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be 376extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
287affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid 377affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid
288JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to 378JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
325 415
326=back 416=back
327 417
328=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 418=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
329 419
420=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
421
330If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 422If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
331by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 423by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
332 424
333If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value 425If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value
334pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs 426pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs
335of the same script). 427of the same script).
336 428
337This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as 429This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as
338the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled, 430the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled,
339the same hash migh be encoded differently even if contains the same data, 431the same hash might be encoded differently even if contains the same data,
340as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl. 432as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl.
341 433
342This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 434This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
343 435
344=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 436=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
437
438=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
345 439
346If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a 440If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a
347non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value, 441non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
348which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON 442which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON
349values instead of croaking. 443values instead of croaking.
359 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 453 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!")
360 => "Hello, World!" 454 => "Hello, World!"
361 455
362=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 456=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
363 457
458=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
459
364If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 460If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
365barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 461barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the
366B<convert_blessed> option will decide wether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 462B<convert_blessed> option will decide whether C<null> (C<convert_blessed>
367disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the 463disabled or no C<TO_JSON> method found) or a representation of the
368object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being 464object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<TO_JSON> method found) is being
369encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>. 465encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
370 466
371If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 467If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
372exception when it encounters a blessed object. 468exception when it encounters a blessed object.
373 469
374=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 470=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
471
472=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
375 473
376If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 474If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
377blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 475blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
378on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 476on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context
379and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 477and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no
383The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON> 481The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON>
384returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same 482returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same
385way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle 483way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle
386(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other 484(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other
387methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are 485methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are
388usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with the C<to_json> 486usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with any C<to_json>
389function. 487function or method.
390 488
391This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the 489This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the
392future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are 490future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are
393enabled by this setting. 491enabled by this setting.
394 492
436 534
437As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object> 535As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object>
438one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key 536one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key
439objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially 537objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially
440as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept 538as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept
441as JSON gets (its basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not 539as JSON gets (it's basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not
442support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks 540support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks
443like a serialised Perl hash. 541like a serialised Perl hash.
444 542
445Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or 543Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or
446C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even 544C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even
470 568
471 { __widget__ => $self->{id} } 569 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
472 } 570 }
473 571
474=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 572=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
573
574=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
475 575
476Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 576Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
477strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 577strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
478C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 578C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save
479memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many 579memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
497strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 597strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
498internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 598internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
499 599
500=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 600=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
501 601
602=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
603
502Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 604Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
503or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 605or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or
504higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will 606higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will
505stop and croak at that point. 607stop and croak at that point.
506 608
517used, which is rarely useful. 619used, which is rarely useful.
518 620
519See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 621See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
520 622
521=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 623=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
624
625=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
522 626
523Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 627Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is
524being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode> 628being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode>
525is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not 629is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not
526attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no 630attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no
573vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 677vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
574circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 678circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
575(what you put in comes out as something equivalent). 679(what you put in comes out as something equivalent).
576 680
577For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions, 681For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions,
578lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppcercase I<Perl> 682lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppercase I<Perl>
579refers to the abstract Perl language itself. 683refers to the abstract Perl language itself.
580 684
581 685
582=head2 JSON -> PERL 686=head2 JSON -> PERL
583 687
584=over 4 688=over 4
585 689
586=item object 690=item object
587 691
588A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object 692A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object
589keys is preserved (JSON does not preserver object key ordering itself). 693keys is preserved (JSON does not preserve object key ordering itself).
590 694
591=item array 695=item array
592 696
593A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl. 697A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl.
594 698
620 724
621=item true, false 725=item true, false
622 726
623These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 727These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>,
624respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 728respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers
625C<1> and C<0>. You can check wether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using 729C<1> and C<0>. You can check whether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using
626the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function. 730the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function.
627 731
628=item null 732=item null
629 733
630A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl. 734A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl.
661Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an 765Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an
662exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and 766exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and
663C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can 767C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can
664also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability. 768also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability.
665 769
666 to_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true] 770 encode_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true]
667 771
668=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false 772=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false
669 773
670These special values become JSON true and JSON false values, 774These special values become JSON true and JSON false values,
671respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want. 775respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want.
672 776
673=item blessed objects 777=item blessed objects
674 778
675Blessed objects are not allowed. JSON::XS currently tries to encode their 779Blessed objects are not directly representable in JSON. See the
676underlying representation (hash- or arrayref), but this behaviour might 780C<allow_blessed> and C<convert_blessed> methods on various options on
677change in future versions. 781how to deal with this: basically, you can choose between throwing an
782exception, encoding the reference as if it weren't blessed, or provide
783your own serialiser method.
678 784
679=item simple scalars 785=item simple scalars
680 786
681Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most 787Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most
682difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as 788difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as
683JSON null value, scalars that have last been used in a string context 789JSON C<null> values, scalars that have last been used in a string context
684before encoding as JSON strings and anything else as number value: 790before encoding as JSON strings, and anything else as number value:
685 791
686 # dump as number 792 # dump as number
687 to_json [2] # yields [2] 793 encode_json [2] # yields [2]
688 to_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17] 794 encode_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17]
689 my $value = 5; to_json [$value] # yields [5] 795 my $value = 5; encode_json [$value] # yields [5]
690 796
691 # used as string, so dump as string 797 # used as string, so dump as string
692 print $value; 798 print $value;
693 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 799 encode_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
694 800
695 # undef becomes null 801 # undef becomes null
696 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 802 encode_json [undef] # yields [null]
697 803
698You can force the type to be a string by stringifying it: 804You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
699 805
700 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 806 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
701 "$x"; # stringified 807 "$x"; # stringified
702 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 808 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
703 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 809 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
704 810
705You can force the type to be a number by numifying it: 811You can force the type to be a JSON number by numifying it:
706 812
707 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 813 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
708 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 814 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
709 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choise is yours. 815 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
710 816
711You can not currently output JSON booleans or force the type in other, 817You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
712less obscure, ways. Tell me if you need this capability. 818if you need this capability (but don't forget to explain why its needed
819:).
713 820
714=back 821=back
715 822
716 823
717=head1 COMPARISON 824=head1 COMPARISON
726 833
727=item JSON 1.07 834=item JSON 1.07
728 835
729Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 836Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl).
730 837
731Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles unicode values is 838Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles Unicode values is
732undocumented. One can get far by feeding it unicode strings and doing 839undocumented. One can get far by feeding it Unicode strings and doing
733en-/decoding oneself, but unicode escapes are not working properly). 840en-/decoding oneself, but Unicode escapes are not working properly).
734 841
735No roundtripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 842No round-tripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g.
736the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will 843the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will
737decode into the number 2. 844decode into the number 2.
738 845
739=item JSON::PC 0.01 846=item JSON::PC 0.01
740 847
741Very fast. 848Very fast.
742 849
743Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 850Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling.
744 851
745No roundtripping. 852No round-tripping.
746 853
747Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 854Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic
748values will make it croak). 855values will make it croak).
749 856
750Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 857Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}>
760Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 867Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much
761undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 868undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a
762single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to 869single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to
763generate ASCII-only JSON texts). 870generate ASCII-only JSON texts).
764 871
765Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (unicode 872Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (Unicode
766escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to 873escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to
767I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour). 874I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour).
768 875
769No roundtripping (simple cases work, but this depends on wether the scalar 876No round-tripping (simple cases work, but this depends on whether the scalar
770value was used in a numeric context or not). 877value was used in a numeric context or not).
771 878
772Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state. 879Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state.
773 880
774Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 881Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not
775getting fixed). 882getting fixed).
776 883
777Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and 884Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
778return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security 885return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
779issue: imagine two banks transfering money between each other using 886issue: imagine two banks transferring money between each other using
780JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money, 887JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money,
781while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a 888while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
782good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and 889good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
783the transaction will still not succeed). 890the transaction will still not succeed).
784 891
785=item JSON::DWIW 0.04 892=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
786 893
787Very fast. Very natural. Very nice. 894Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
788 895
789Undocumented unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes 896Undocumented Unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
790still don't get parsed properly). 897still don't get parsed properly).
791 898
792Very inflexible. 899Very inflexible.
793 900
794No roundtripping. 901No round-tripping.
795 902
796Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys 903Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
797result in nothing being output) 904result in nothing being output)
798 905
799Does not check input for validity. 906Does not check input for validity.
801=back 908=back
802 909
803 910
804=head2 JSON and YAML 911=head2 JSON and YAML
805 912
806You often hear that JSON is a subset (or a close subset) of YAML. This is, 913You often hear that JSON is a subset of YAML. This is, however, a mass
807however, a mass hysteria and very far from the truth. In general, there is 914hysteria(*) and very far from the truth. In general, there is no way to
808no way to configure JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML. 915configure JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML that works for
916all cases.
809 917
810If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this 918If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this
811algorithm (subject to change in future versions): 919algorithm (subject to change in future versions):
812 920
813 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1); 921 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1);
814 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 922 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
815 923
816This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 924This will I<usually> generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
817YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 925YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key
818lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash 926lengths that JSON doesn't have and also has different and incompatible
927unicode handling, so you should make sure that your hash keys are
819keys are noticably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 928noticeably shorter than the 1024 "stream characters" YAML allows and that
929you do not have codepoints with values outside the Unicode BMP (basic
930multilingual page). YAML also does not allow C<\/> sequences in strings
931(which JSON::XS does not I<currently> generate).
820 932
821There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 933There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of (or the YAML
934specification has been changed yet again - it does so quite often). In
822you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa, 935general you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice
823or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high 936versa, or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are
824that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 937high that you will run into severe interoperability problems when you
938least expect it.
939
940=over 4
941
942=item (*)
943
944This is spread actively by the YAML team, however. For many years now they
945claim YAML were a superset of JSON, even when proven otherwise.
946
947Even the author of this manpage was at some point accused of providing
948"incorrect" information, despite the evidence presented (claims ranged
949from "your documentation contains inaccurate and negative statements about
950YAML" (the only negative comment is this footnote, and it didn't exist
951back then; the question on which claims were inaccurate was never answered
952etc.) to "the YAML spec is not up-to-date" (the *real* and supposedly
953JSON-compatible spec is apparently not currently publicly available)
954to actual requests to replace this section by *incorrect* information,
955suppressing information about the real problem).
956
957So whenever you are told that YAML was a superset of JSON, first check
958wether it is really true (it might be when you check it, but it certainly
959was not true when this was written). I would much prefer if the YAML team
960would spent their time on actually making JSON compatibility a truth
961(JSON, after all, has a very small and simple specification) instead of
962trying to lobby/force people into reporting untruths.
963
964=back
825 965
826 966
827=head2 SPEED 967=head2 SPEED
828 968
829It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following 969It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following
840It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 980It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
841the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 981the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
842with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 982with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
843shrink). Higher is better: 983shrink). Higher is better:
844 984
845 Storable | 15779.925 | 14169.946 |
846 -----------+------------+------------+
847 module | encode | decode | 985 module | encode | decode |
848 -----------|------------|------------| 986 -----------|------------|------------|
849 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 987 JSON 1.x | 4990.842 | 4088.813 |
850 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 988 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 |
851 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 989 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 |
852 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 990 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 |
853 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 991 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 |
854 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 992 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 |
856 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 | 994 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 |
857 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 | 995 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 |
858 -----------+------------+------------+ 996 -----------+------------+------------+
859 997
860That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding, 998That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding,
861about three times faster on decoding, and over fourty times faster 999about three times faster on decoding, and over forty times faster
862than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 1000than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares
863favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 1001favourably to Storable for small amounts of data.
864 1002
865Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 1003Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
866search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 1004search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg):
867 1005
868 module | encode | decode | 1006 module | encode | decode |
869 -----------|------------|------------| 1007 -----------|------------|------------|
870 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 1008 JSON 1.x | 55.260 | 34.971 |
871 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 1009 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 |
872 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 | 1010 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
873 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 1011 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 |
874 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 1012 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 |
875 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 1013 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 |
879 -----------+------------+------------+ 1017 -----------+------------+------------+
880 1018
881Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly 1019Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly
882decodes faster). 1020decodes faster).
883 1021
884On large strings containing lots of high unicode characters, some modules 1022On large strings containing lots of high Unicode characters, some modules
885(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result 1023(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result
886will be broken due to missing (or wrong) unicode handling. Others refuse 1024will be broken due to missing (or wrong) Unicode handling. Others refuse
887to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair 1025to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair
888comparison table for that case. 1026comparison table for that case.
889 1027
890 1028
891=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 1029=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
897any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am 1035any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am
898trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 1036trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
899 1037
900Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should 1038Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
901limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your 1039limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your
902resources run out, thats just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that 1040resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that
903can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is 1041can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is
904usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode 1042usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode
905it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON 1043it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON
906text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you 1044text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you
907might want to check the size before you accept the string. 1045might want to check the size before you accept the string.
908 1046
909Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 1047Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
910arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64 1048arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64
911machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but 1049machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but
912only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak 1050only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak
913to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. to be 1051to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. To be
914conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process 1052conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process
915has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the 1053has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the
916C<max_depth> method. 1054C<max_depth> method.
917 1055
918And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 1056And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think
919of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, 1057of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints,
920though... 1058though...
921 1059
922If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 1060If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
923by javascript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 1061by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
924L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see wether 1062L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see whether
925you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1063you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser
926design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major 1064design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major
927browser developers care only for features, not about doing security 1065browser developers care only for features, not about getting security
928right). 1066right).
1067
1068
1069=head1 THREADS
1070
1071This module is I<not> guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no
1072plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the
1073horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated
1074process simulations - use fork, its I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
1075
1076(It might actually work, but you have been warned).
929 1077
930 1078
931=head1 BUGS 1079=head1 BUGS
932 1080
933While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1081While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does
934not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is 1082not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is
935still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they 1083still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they
936will be fixed swiftly, though. 1084will be fixed swiftly, though.
1085
1086Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
1087service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
937 1088
938=cut 1089=cut
939 1090
940our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1091our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };
941our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1092our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };

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