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Revision 1.71 by root, Sun Nov 25 14:23:57 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.100 by root, Sun Mar 30 09:27:16 2008 UTC

1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2
3=encoding utf-8
2 4
3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast 5JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
4 6
5JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ 7JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ
6 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html) 8 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html)
10 use JSON::XS; 12 use JSON::XS;
11 13
12 # exported functions, they croak on error 14 # exported functions, they croak on error
13 # and expect/generate UTF-8 15 # and expect/generate UTF-8
14 16
15 $utf8_encoded_json_text = to_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref; 17 $utf8_encoded_json_text = encode_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref;
16 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = from_json $utf8_encoded_json_text; 18 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = decode_json $utf8_encoded_json_text;
17 19
18 # OO-interface 20 # OO-interface
19 21
20 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref; 22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref;
21 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar); 23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar);
22 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text); 24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text);
23 25
26 # Note that JSON version 2.0 and above will automatically use JSON::XS
27 # if available, at virtually no speed overhead either, so you should
28 # be able to just:
29
30 use JSON;
31
32 # and do the same things, except that you have a pure-perl fallback now.
33
24=head1 DESCRIPTION 34=head1 DESCRIPTION
25 35
26This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its 36This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its
27primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be 37primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be
28I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C. 38I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C.
39
40Beginning with version 2.0 of the JSON module, when both JSON and
41JSON::XS are installed, then JSON will fall back on JSON::XS (this can be
42overriden) with no overhead due to emulation (by inheritign constructor
43and methods). If JSON::XS is not available, it will fall back to the
44compatible JSON::PP module as backend, so using JSON instead of JSON::XS
45gives you a portable JSON API that can be fast when you need and doesn't
46require a C compiler when that is a problem.
29 47
30As this is the n-th-something JSON module on CPAN, what was the reason 48As this is the n-th-something JSON module on CPAN, what was the reason
31to write yet another JSON module? While it seems there are many JSON 49to write yet another JSON module? While it seems there are many JSON
32modules, none of them correctly handle all corner cases, and in most cases 50modules, none of them correctly handle all corner cases, and in most cases
33their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug 51their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug
42 60
43=over 4 61=over 4
44 62
45=item * correct Unicode handling 63=item * correct Unicode handling
46 64
47This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when 65This module knows how to handle Unicode, documents how and when it does
48it does so. 66so, and even documents what "correct" means.
49 67
50=item * round-trip integrity 68=item * round-trip integrity
51 69
52When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported 70When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported
53by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level. 71by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level.
54(e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because it looks 72(e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because it looks
55like a number). 73like a number). There minor I<are> exceptions to this, read the MAPPING
74section below to learn about those.
56 75
57=item * strict checking of JSON correctness 76=item * strict checking of JSON correctness
58 77
59There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default, 78There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default,
60and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security 79and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security
61feature). 80feature).
62 81
63=item * fast 82=item * fast
64 83
65Compared to other JSON modules, this module compares favourably in terms 84Compared to other JSON modules and other serialisers such as Storable,
66of speed, too. 85this module usually compares favourably in terms of speed, too.
67 86
68=item * simple to use 87=item * simple to use
69 88
70This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO 89This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an objetc
71interface. 90oriented interface interface.
72 91
73=item * reasonably versatile output formats 92=item * reasonably versatile output formats
74 93
75You can choose between the most compact guaranteed single-line format 94You can choose between the most compact guaranteed-single-line format
76possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 95possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format
77(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole 96(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole
78Unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that 97Unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that
79stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like. 98stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
80 99
84 103
85package JSON::XS; 104package JSON::XS;
86 105
87use strict; 106use strict;
88 107
89our $VERSION = '1.53'; 108our $VERSION = '2.2';
90our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 109our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
91 110
92our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 111our @EXPORT = qw(encode_json decode_json to_json from_json);
112
113sub to_json($) {
114 require Carp;
115 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");
116}
117
118sub from_json($) {
119 require Carp;
120 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");
121}
93 122
94use Exporter; 123use Exporter;
95use XSLoader; 124use XSLoader;
96 125
97=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 126=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
99The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are 128The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
100exported by default: 129exported by default:
101 130
102=over 4 131=over 4
103 132
104=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 133=item $json_text = encode_json $perl_scalar
105 134
106Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string 135Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string
107(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error. 136(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
108 137
109This function call is functionally identical to: 138This function call is functionally identical to:
110 139
111 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 140 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
112 141
113except being faster. 142except being faster.
114 143
115=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 144=item $perl_scalar = decode_json $json_text
116 145
117The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries 146The opposite of C<encode_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries
118to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting 147to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
119reference. Croaks on error. 148reference. Croaks on error.
120 149
121This function call is functionally identical to: 150This function call is functionally identical to:
122 151
148This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a 177This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
149Perl string - very natural. 178Perl string - very natural.
150 179
151=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings. 180=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
152 181
153Unless you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or printing 182... until you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or
154the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your string as 183printing the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your
155locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending on various 184string as locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending
156settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your data, it is 185on various settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your
157I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical metadata. 186data, it is I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical meta data.
158 187
159=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the 188=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
160encoding of your string. 189encoding of your string.
161 190
162Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in 191Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
201 230
202 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]}) 231 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]})
203 => {"a": [1, 2]} 232 => {"a": [1, 2]}
204 233
205=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 234=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
235
236=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
206 237
207If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 238If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
208generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 239generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
209Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 240Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
210single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 241single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
214 245
215If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 246If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
216characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results 247characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
217in a faster and more compact format. 248in a faster and more compact format.
218 249
250See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
251document.
252
219The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be 253The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be
220transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not 254transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not
221contain any 8 bit characters. 255contain any 8 bit characters.
222 256
223 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 257 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
224 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 258 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
225 259
226=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 260=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
261
262=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
227 263
228If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 264If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
229the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 265the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
230outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 266outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
231latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method 267latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
232will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 268will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
233expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 269expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
234 270
235If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 271If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
236characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. 272characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags.
273
274See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
275document.
237 276
238The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON 277The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON
239text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded 278text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded
240size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 279size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
241in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 280in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
246 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 285 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
247 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 286 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
248 287
249=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 288=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
250 289
290=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
291
251If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 292If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
252the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 293the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
253C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 294C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please
254note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 295note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
255range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 296range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
258 299
259If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON 300If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON
260string as a (non-encoded) Unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a 301string as a (non-encoded) Unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a
261Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs 302Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs
262to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module. 303to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module.
304
305See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
306document.
263 307
264Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 308Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
265 309
266 use Encode; 310 use Encode;
267 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object); 311 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object);
288 ] 332 ]
289 } 333 }
290 334
291=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 335=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
292 336
337=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
338
293If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 339If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
294format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 340format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
295into its own line, indenting them properly. 341into its own line, indenting them properly.
296 342
297If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the 343If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the
299 345
300This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 346This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
301 347
302=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 348=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
303 349
350=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
351
304If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 352If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
305optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 353optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
306 354
307If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra 355If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra
308space at those places. 356space at those places.
313Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 361Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
314 362
315 {"key" :"value"} 363 {"key" :"value"}
316 364
317=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 365=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
366
367=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
318 368
319If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 369If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
320optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects 370optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
321and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 371and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
322members. 372members.
329Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled: 379Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled:
330 380
331 {"key": "value"} 381 {"key": "value"}
332 382
333=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable]) 383=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
384
385=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
334 386
335If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some 387If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
336extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be 388extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
337affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid 389affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid
338JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to 390JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
375 427
376=back 428=back
377 429
378=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 430=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
379 431
432=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
433
380If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 434If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
381by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 435by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
382 436
383If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value 437If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value
384pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs 438pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs
391 445
392This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 446This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
393 447
394=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 448=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
395 449
450=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
451
396If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a 452If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a
397non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value, 453non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
398which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON 454which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON
399values instead of croaking. 455values instead of croaking.
400 456
407resulting in an invalid JSON text: 463resulting in an invalid JSON text:
408 464
409 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 465 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!")
410 => "Hello, World!" 466 => "Hello, World!"
411 467
468=item $json = $json->allow_unknown ([$enable])
469
470=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_unknown
471
472If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode> will I<not> throw an
473exception when it encounters values it cannot represent in JSON (for
474example, filehandles) but instead will encode a JSON C<null> value. Note
475that blessed objects are not included here and are handled separately by
476c<allow_nonref>.
477
478If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
479exception when it encounters anything it cannot encode as JSON.
480
481This option does not affect C<decode> in any way, and it is recommended to
482leave it off unless you know your communications partner.
483
412=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 484=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
485
486=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
413 487
414If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 488If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
415barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 489barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the
416B<convert_blessed> option will decide whether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 490B<convert_blessed> option will decide whether C<null> (C<convert_blessed>
417disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the 491disabled or no C<TO_JSON> method found) or a representation of the
418object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being 492object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<TO_JSON> method found) is being
419encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>. 493encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
420 494
421If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 495If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
422exception when it encounters a blessed object. 496exception when it encounters a blessed object.
423 497
424=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 498=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
499
500=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
425 501
426If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 502If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
427blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 503blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
428on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 504on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context
429and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 505and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no
433The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON> 509The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON>
434returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same 510returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same
435way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle 511way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle
436(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other 512(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other
437methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are 513methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are
438usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with the C<to_json> 514usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with any C<to_json>
439function. 515function or method.
440 516
441This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the 517This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the
442future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are 518future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are
443enabled by this setting. 519enabled by this setting.
444 520
520 596
521 { __widget__ => $self->{id} } 597 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
522 } 598 }
523 599
524=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 600=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
601
602=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
525 603
526Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 604Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
527strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 605strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
528C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 606C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save
529memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many 607memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
547strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 625strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
548internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 626internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
549 627
550=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 628=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
551 629
630=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
631
552Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 632Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
553or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 633or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or
554higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will 634higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will
555stop and croak at that point. 635stop and croak at that point.
556 636
567used, which is rarely useful. 647used, which is rarely useful.
568 648
569See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 649See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
570 650
571=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 651=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
652
653=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
572 654
573Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 655Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is
574being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode> 656being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode>
575is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not 657is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not
576attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no 658attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no
615 => ([], 3) 697 => ([], 3)
616 698
617=back 699=back
618 700
619 701
702=head1 INCREMENTAL PARSING
703
704[This section and the API it details is still EXPERIMENTAL]
705
706In some cases, there is the need for incremental parsing of JSON
707texts. While this module always has to keep both JSON text and resulting
708Perl data structure in memory at one time, it does allow you to parse a
709JSON stream incrementally. It does so by accumulating text until it has
710a full JSON object, which it then can decode. This process is similar to
711using C<decode_prefix> to see if a full JSON object is available, but is
712much more efficient (JSON::XS will only attempt to parse the JSON text
713once it is sure it has enough text to get a decisive result, using a very
714simple but truly incremental parser).
715
716The following two methods deal with this.
717
718=over 4
719
720=item [void, scalar or list context] = $json->incr_parse ([$string])
721
722This is the central parsing function. It can both append new text and
723extract objects from the stream accumulated so far (both of these
724functions are optional).
725
726If C<$string> is given, then this string is appended to the already
727existing JSON fragment stored in the C<$json> object.
728
729After that, if the function is called in void context, it will simply
730return without doing anything further. This can be used to add more text
731in as many chunks as you want.
732
733If the method is called in scalar context, then it will try to extract
734exactly I<one> JSON object. If that is successful, it will return this
735object, otherwise it will return C<undef>. If there is a parse error,
736this method will croak just as C<decode> would do (one can then use
737C<incr_skip> to skip the errornous part). This is the most common way of
738using the method.
739
740And finally, in list context, it will try to extract as many objects
741from the stream as it can find and return them, or the empty list
742otherwise. For this to work, there must be no separators between the JSON
743objects or arrays, instead they must be concatenated back-to-back. If
744an error occurs, an exception will be raised as in the scalar context
745case. Note that in this case, any previously-parsed JSON texts will be
746lost.
747
748=item $lvalue_string = $json->incr_text
749
750This method returns the currently stored JSON fragment as an lvalue, that
751is, you can manipulate it. This I<only> works when a preceding call to
752C<incr_parse> in I<scalar context> successfully returned an object. Under
753all other circumstances you must not call this function (I mean it.
754although in simple tests it might actually work, it I<will> fail under
755real world conditions). As a special exception, you can also call this
756method before having parsed anything.
757
758This function is useful in two cases: a) finding the trailing text after a
759JSON object or b) parsing multiple JSON objects separated by non-JSON text
760(such as commas).
761
762=item $json->incr_skip
763
764This will reset the state of the incremental parser and will remove the
765parsed text from the input buffer. This is useful after C<incr_parse>
766died, in which case the input buffer and incremental parser state is left
767unchanged, to skip the text parsed so far and to reset the parse state.
768
769=back
770
771=head2 LIMITATIONS
772
773All options that affect decoding are supported, except
774C<allow_nonref>. The reason for this is that it cannot be made to
775work sensibly: JSON objects and arrays are self-delimited, i.e. you can concatenate
776them back to back and still decode them perfectly. This does not hold true
777for JSON numbers, however.
778
779For example, is the string C<1> a single JSON number, or is it simply the
780start of C<12>? Or is C<12> a single JSON number, or the concatenation
781of C<1> and C<2>? In neither case you can tell, and this is why JSON::XS
782takes the conservative route and disallows this case.
783
784=head2 EXAMPLES
785
786Some examples will make all this clearer. First, a simple example that
787works similarly to C<decode_prefix>: We want to decode the JSON object at
788the start of a string and identify the portion after the JSON object:
789
790 my $text = "[1,2,3] hello";
791
792 my $json = new JSON::XS;
793
794 my $obj = $json->incr_parse ($text)
795 or die "expected JSON object or array at beginning of string";
796
797 my $tail = $json->incr_text;
798 # $tail now contains " hello"
799
800Easy, isn't it?
801
802Now for a more complicated example: Imagine a hypothetical protocol where
803you read some requests from a TCP stream, and each request is a JSON
804array, without any separation between them (in fact, it is often useful to
805use newlines as "separators", as these get interpreted as whitespace at
806the start of the JSON text, which makes it possible to test said protocol
807with C<telnet>...).
808
809Here is how you'd do it (it is trivial to write this in an event-based
810manner):
811
812 my $json = new JSON::XS;
813
814 # read some data from the socket
815 while (sysread $socket, my $buf, 4096) {
816
817 # split and decode as many requests as possible
818 for my $request ($json->incr_parse ($buf)) {
819 # act on the $request
820 }
821 }
822
823Another complicated example: Assume you have a string with JSON objects
824or arrays, all separated by (optional) comma characters (e.g. C<[1],[2],
825[3]>). To parse them, we have to skip the commas between the JSON texts,
826and here is where the lvalue-ness of C<incr_text> comes in useful:
827
828 my $text = "[1],[2], [3]";
829 my $json = new JSON::XS;
830
831 # void context, so no parsing done
832 $json->incr_parse ($text);
833
834 # now extract as many objects as possible. note the
835 # use of scalar context so incr_text can be called.
836 while (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
837 # do something with $obj
838
839 # now skip the optional comma
840 $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* , //x;
841 }
842
843Now lets go for a very complex example: Assume that you have a gigantic
844JSON array-of-objects, many gigabytes in size, and you want to parse it,
845but you cannot load it into memory fully (this has actually happened in
846the real world :).
847
848Well, you lost, you have to implement your own JSON parser. But JSON::XS
849can still help you: You implement a (very simple) array parser and let
850JSON decode the array elements, which are all full JSON objects on their
851own (this wouldn't work if the array elements could be JSON numbers, for
852example):
853
854 my $json = new JSON::XS;
855
856 # open the monster
857 open my $fh, "<bigfile.json"
858 or die "bigfile: $!";
859
860 # first parse the initial "["
861 for (;;) {
862 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
863 or die "read error: $!";
864 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
865
866 # Exit the loop once we found and removed(!) the initial "[".
867 # In essence, we are (ab-)using the $json object as a simple scalar
868 # we append data to.
869 last if $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* \[ //x;
870 }
871
872 # now we have the skipped the initial "[", so continue
873 # parsing all the elements.
874 for (;;) {
875 # in this loop we read data until we got a single JSON object
876 for (;;) {
877 if (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
878 # do something with $obj
879 last;
880 }
881
882 # add more data
883 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
884 or die "read error: $!";
885 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
886 }
887
888 # in this loop we read data until we either found and parsed the
889 # separating "," between elements, or the final "]"
890 for (;;) {
891 # first skip whitespace
892 $json->incr_text =~ s/^\s*//;
893
894 # if we find "]", we are done
895 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^\]//) {
896 print "finished.\n";
897 exit;
898 }
899
900 # if we find ",", we can continue with the next element
901 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^,//) {
902 last;
903 }
904
905 # if we find anything else, we have a parse error!
906 if (length $json->incr_text) {
907 die "parse error near ", $json->incr_text;
908 }
909
910 # else add more data
911 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
912 or die "read error: $!";
913 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
914 }
915
916This is a complex example, but most of the complexity comes from the fact
917that we are trying to be correct (bear with me if I am wrong, I never ran
918the above example :).
919
920
921
620=head1 MAPPING 922=head1 MAPPING
621 923
622This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and 924This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and
623vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 925vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
624circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 926circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
652 954
653A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or 955A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or
654string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On 956string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On
655the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all 957the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all
656the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and 958the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and
657might represent more values exactly than (floating point) numbers. 959might represent more values exactly than floating point numbers.
658 960
659If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent 961If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent
660it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as 962it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as
661a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of 963a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of
662precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value. 964precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value (in
965which case you lose roundtripping ability, as the JSON number will be
966re-encoded toa JSON string).
663 967
664Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be 968Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be
665represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of 969represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of
666precision. 970precision (in which case you might lose perfect roundtripping ability, but
667 971the JSON number will still be re-encoded as a JSON number).
668This might create round-tripping problems as numbers might become strings,
669but as Perl is typeless there is no other way to do it.
670 972
671=item true, false 973=item true, false
672 974
673These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 975These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>,
674respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 976respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers
711Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an 1013Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an
712exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and 1014exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and
713C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can 1015C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can
714also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability. 1016also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability.
715 1017
716 to_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true] 1018 encode_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true]
717 1019
718=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false 1020=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false
719 1021
720These special values become JSON true and JSON false values, 1022These special values become JSON true and JSON false values,
721respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want. 1023respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want.
722 1024
723=item blessed objects 1025=item blessed objects
724 1026
725Blessed objects are not allowed. JSON::XS currently tries to encode their 1027Blessed objects are not directly representable in JSON. See the
726underlying representation (hash- or arrayref), but this behaviour might 1028C<allow_blessed> and C<convert_blessed> methods on various options on
727change in future versions. 1029how to deal with this: basically, you can choose between throwing an
1030exception, encoding the reference as if it weren't blessed, or provide
1031your own serialiser method.
728 1032
729=item simple scalars 1033=item simple scalars
730 1034
731Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most 1035Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most
732difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as 1036difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as
733JSON null value, scalars that have last been used in a string context 1037JSON C<null> values, scalars that have last been used in a string context
734before encoding as JSON strings and anything else as number value: 1038before encoding as JSON strings, and anything else as number value:
735 1039
736 # dump as number 1040 # dump as number
737 to_json [2] # yields [2] 1041 encode_json [2] # yields [2]
738 to_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17] 1042 encode_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17]
739 my $value = 5; to_json [$value] # yields [5] 1043 my $value = 5; encode_json [$value] # yields [5]
740 1044
741 # used as string, so dump as string 1045 # used as string, so dump as string
742 print $value; 1046 print $value;
743 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 1047 encode_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
744 1048
745 # undef becomes null 1049 # undef becomes null
746 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 1050 encode_json [undef] # yields [null]
747 1051
748You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it: 1052You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
749 1053
750 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 1054 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
751 "$x"; # stringified 1055 "$x"; # stringified
757 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 1061 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
758 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 1062 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
759 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours. 1063 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
760 1064
761You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me 1065You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
762if you need this capability. 1066if you need this capability (but don't forget to explain why it's needed
1067:).
763 1068
764=back 1069=back
765 1070
766 1071
767=head1 COMPARISON 1072=head1 ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES
768 1073
769As already mentioned, this module was created because none of the existing 1074The interested reader might have seen a number of flags that signify
770JSON modules could be made to work correctly. First I will describe the 1075encodings or codesets - C<utf8>, C<latin1> and C<ascii>. There seems to be
771problems (or pleasures) I encountered with various existing JSON modules, 1076some confusion on what these do, so here is a short comparison:
772followed by some benchmark values. JSON::XS was designed not to suffer 1077
773from any of these problems or limitations. 1078C<utf8> controls whether the JSON text created by C<encode> (and expected
1079by C<decode>) is UTF-8 encoded or not, while C<latin1> and C<ascii> only
1080control whether C<encode> escapes character values outside their respective
1081codeset range. Neither of these flags conflict with each other, although
1082some combinations make less sense than others.
1083
1084Care has been taken to make all flags symmetrical with respect to
1085C<encode> and C<decode>, that is, texts encoded with any combination of
1086these flag values will be correctly decoded when the same flags are used
1087- in general, if you use different flag settings while encoding vs. when
1088decoding you likely have a bug somewhere.
1089
1090Below comes a verbose discussion of these flags. Note that a "codeset" is
1091simply an abstract set of character-codepoint pairs, while an encoding
1092takes those codepoint numbers and I<encodes> them, in our case into
1093octets. Unicode is (among other things) a codeset, UTF-8 is an encoding,
1094and ISO-8859-1 (= latin 1) and ASCII are both codesets I<and> encodings at
1095the same time, which can be confusing.
774 1096
775=over 4 1097=over 4
776 1098
777=item JSON 1.07 1099=item C<utf8> flag disabled
778 1100
779Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 1101When C<utf8> is disabled (the default), then C<encode>/C<decode> generate
1102and expect Unicode strings, that is, characters with high ordinal Unicode
1103values (> 255) will be encoded as such characters, and likewise such
1104characters are decoded as-is, no canges to them will be done, except
1105"(re-)interpreting" them as Unicode codepoints or Unicode characters,
1106respectively (to Perl, these are the same thing in strings unless you do
1107funny/weird/dumb stuff).
780 1108
781Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles Unicode values is 1109This is useful when you want to do the encoding yourself (e.g. when you
782undocumented. One can get far by feeding it Unicode strings and doing 1110want to have UTF-16 encoded JSON texts) or when some other layer does
783en-/decoding oneself, but Unicode escapes are not working properly). 1111the encoding for you (for example, when printing to a terminal using a
1112filehandle that transparently encodes to UTF-8 you certainly do NOT want
1113to UTF-8 encode your data first and have Perl encode it another time).
784 1114
785No round-tripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 1115=item C<utf8> flag enabled
786the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will
787decode into the number 2.
788 1116
789=item JSON::PC 0.01 1117If the C<utf8>-flag is enabled, C<encode>/C<decode> will encode all
1118characters using the corresponding UTF-8 multi-byte sequence, and will
1119expect your input strings to be encoded as UTF-8, that is, no "character"
1120of the input string must have any value > 255, as UTF-8 does not allow
1121that.
790 1122
791Very fast. 1123The C<utf8> flag therefore switches between two modes: disabled means you
1124will get a Unicode string in Perl, enabled means you get an UTF-8 encoded
1125octet/binary string in Perl.
792 1126
793Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 1127=item C<latin1> or C<ascii> flags enabled
794 1128
795No round-tripping. 1129With C<latin1> (or C<ascii>) enabled, C<encode> will escape characters
1130with ordinal values > 255 (> 127 with C<ascii>) and encode the remaining
1131characters as specified by the C<utf8> flag.
796 1132
797Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 1133If C<utf8> is disabled, then the result is also correctly encoded in those
798values will make it croak). 1134character sets (as both are proper subsets of Unicode, meaning that a
1135Unicode string with all character values < 256 is the same thing as a
1136ISO-8859-1 string, and a Unicode string with all character values < 128 is
1137the same thing as an ASCII string in Perl).
799 1138
800Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 1139If C<utf8> is enabled, you still get a correct UTF-8-encoded string,
801which is not a valid JSON text. 1140regardless of these flags, just some more characters will be escaped using
1141C<\uXXXX> then before.
802 1142
803Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 1143Note that ISO-8859-1-I<encoded> strings are not compatible with UTF-8
804getting fixed). 1144encoding, while ASCII-encoded strings are. That is because the ISO-8859-1
1145encoding is NOT a subset of UTF-8 (despite the ISO-8859-1 I<codeset> being
1146a subset of Unicode), while ASCII is.
805 1147
806=item JSON::Syck 0.21 1148Surprisingly, C<decode> will ignore these flags and so treat all input
1149values as governed by the C<utf8> flag. If it is disabled, this allows you
1150to decode ISO-8859-1- and ASCII-encoded strings, as both strict subsets of
1151Unicode. If it is enabled, you can correctly decode UTF-8 encoded strings.
807 1152
808Very buggy (often crashes). 1153So neither C<latin1> nor C<ascii> are incompatible with the C<utf8> flag -
1154they only govern when the JSON output engine escapes a character or not.
809 1155
810Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 1156The main use for C<latin1> is to relatively efficiently store binary data
811undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 1157as JSON, at the expense of breaking compatibility with most JSON decoders.
812single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to
813generate ASCII-only JSON texts).
814 1158
815Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (Unicode 1159The main use for C<ascii> is to force the output to not contain characters
816escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to 1160with values > 127, which means you can interpret the resulting string
817I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour). 1161as UTF-8, ISO-8859-1, ASCII, KOI8-R or most about any character set and
818 11628-bit-encoding, and still get the same data structure back. This is useful
819No round-tripping (simple cases work, but this depends on whether the scalar 1163when your channel for JSON transfer is not 8-bit clean or the encoding
820value was used in a numeric context or not). 1164might be mangled in between (e.g. in mail), and works because ASCII is a
821 1165proper subset of most 8-bit and multibyte encodings in use in the world.
822Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state.
823
824Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not
825getting fixed).
826
827Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
828return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
829issue: imagine two banks transferring money between each other using
830JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money,
831while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
832good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
833the transaction will still not succeed).
834
835=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
836
837Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
838
839Undocumented Unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
840still don't get parsed properly).
841
842Very inflexible.
843
844No round-tripping.
845
846Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
847result in nothing being output)
848
849Does not check input for validity.
850 1166
851=back 1167=back
852 1168
853 1169
854=head2 JSON and YAML 1170=head2 JSON and YAML
855 1171
856You often hear that JSON is a subset (or a close subset) of YAML. This is, 1172You often hear that JSON is a subset of YAML. This is, however, a mass
857however, a mass hysteria and very far from the truth. In general, there is 1173hysteria(*) and very far from the truth (as of the time of this writing),
858no way to configure JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML. 1174so let me state it clearly: I<in general, there is no way to configure
1175JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML> that works in all
1176cases.
859 1177
860If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this 1178If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this
861algorithm (subject to change in future versions): 1179algorithm (subject to change in future versions):
862 1180
863 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1); 1181 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1);
864 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 1182 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
865 1183
866This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 1184This will I<usually> generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
867YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 1185YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key
868lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash 1186lengths that JSON doesn't have and also has different and incompatible
1187unicode handling, so you should make sure that your hash keys are
869keys are noticeably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 1188noticeably shorter than the 1024 "stream characters" YAML allows and that
1189you do not have characters with codepoint values outside the Unicode BMP
1190(basic multilingual page). YAML also does not allow C<\/> sequences in
1191strings (which JSON::XS does not I<currently> generate, but other JSON
1192generators might).
870 1193
871There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 1194There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of (or the YAML
1195specification has been changed yet again - it does so quite often). In
872you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa, 1196general you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice
873or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high 1197versa, or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are
874that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 1198high that you will run into severe interoperability problems when you
1199least expect it.
1200
1201=over 4
1202
1203=item (*)
1204
1205I have been pressured multiple times by Brian Ingerson (one of the
1206authors of the YAML specification) to remove this paragraph, despite him
1207acknowledging that the actual incompatibilities exist. As I was personally
1208bitten by this "JSON is YAML" lie, I refused and said I will continue to
1209educate people about these issues, so others do not run into the same
1210problem again and again. After this, Brian called me a (quote)I<complete
1211and worthless idiot>(unquote).
1212
1213In my opinion, instead of pressuring and insulting people who actually
1214clarify issues with YAML and the wrong statements of some of its
1215proponents, I would kindly suggest reading the JSON spec (which is not
1216that difficult or long) and finally make YAML compatible to it, and
1217educating users about the changes, instead of spreading lies about the
1218real compatibility for many I<years> and trying to silence people who
1219point out that it isn't true.
1220
1221=back
875 1222
876 1223
877=head2 SPEED 1224=head2 SPEED
878 1225
879It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following 1226It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following
880tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program 1227tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program
881in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own 1228in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own
882system. 1229system.
883 1230
884First comes a comparison between various modules using a very short 1231First comes a comparison between various modules using
885single-line JSON string: 1232a very short single-line JSON string (also available at
1233L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/short.json>).
886 1234
887 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1", "we were just talking"], \ 1235 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1",
888 "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7, true, false]} 1236 "we were just talking"], "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7,
1237 true, false]}
889 1238
890It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 1239It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
891the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 1240the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
892with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 1241with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
893shrink). Higher is better: 1242shrink). Higher is better:
894 1243
895 module | encode | decode | 1244 module | encode | decode |
896 -----------|------------|------------| 1245 -----------|------------|------------|
897 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 1246 JSON 1.x | 4990.842 | 4088.813 |
898 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 1247 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 |
899 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 1248 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 |
900 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 1249 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 |
901 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 1250 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 |
902 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 1251 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 |
909about three times faster on decoding, and over forty times faster 1258about three times faster on decoding, and over forty times faster
910than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 1259than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares
911favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 1260favourably to Storable for small amounts of data.
912 1261
913Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 1262Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
914search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 1263search API (L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/long.json>).
915 1264
916 module | encode | decode | 1265 module | encode | decode |
917 -----------|------------|------------| 1266 -----------|------------|------------|
918 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 1267 JSON 1.x | 55.260 | 34.971 |
919 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 1268 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 |
920 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 | 1269 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
921 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 1270 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 |
922 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 1271 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 |
923 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 1272 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 |
956 1305
957Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 1306Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
958arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64 1307arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64
959machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but 1308machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but
960only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak 1309only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak
961to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. to be 1310to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. To be
962conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process 1311conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process
963has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the 1312has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the
964C<max_depth> method. 1313C<max_depth> method.
965 1314
966And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 1315Something else could bomb you, too, that I forgot to think of. In that
967of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, 1316case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, though...
968though... 1317
1318Also keep in mind that JSON::XS might leak contents of your Perl data
1319structures in its error messages, so when you serialise sensitive
1320information you might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by JSON::XS
1321will not end up in front of untrusted eyes.
969 1322
970If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 1323If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
971by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 1324by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
972L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see whether 1325L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see whether
973you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1326you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser
974design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major 1327design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major
975browser developers care only for features, not about doing security 1328browser developers care only for features, not about getting security
976right). 1329right).
977 1330
978 1331
979=head1 THREADS 1332=head1 THREADS
980 1333
981This module is I<not> guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no 1334This module is I<not> guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no
982plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the 1335plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the
983horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated 1336horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated
984process simulations - use fork, its I<much> faster, cheaper, better). 1337process simulations - use fork, it's I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
985 1338
986(It might actually work, but you have been warned). 1339(It might actually work, but you have been warned).
987 1340
988 1341
989=head1 BUGS 1342=head1 BUGS
990 1343
991While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1344While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does
992not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is 1345not mean it's bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is
993still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they 1346still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they
994will be fixed swiftly, though. 1347will be fixed swiftly, though.
995 1348
996Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting 1349Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
997service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason. 1350service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
1019 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 }, 1372 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 },
1020 fallback => 1; 1373 fallback => 1;
1021 1374
10221; 13751;
1023 1376
1377=head1 SEE ALSO
1378
1379The F<json_xs> command line utility for quick experiments.
1380
1024=head1 AUTHOR 1381=head1 AUTHOR
1025 1382
1026 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1383 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1027 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1384 http://home.schmorp.de/
1028 1385

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