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

Comparing JSON-XS/XS.pm (file contents):
Revision 1.65 by root, Sat Oct 13 01:55:31 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.169 by root, Thu Nov 15 20:49:12 2018 UTC

1=head1 NAME
2
3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
4
1=encoding utf-8 5=encoding utf-8
2
3=head1 NAME
4
5JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
6 6
7JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ 7JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ
8 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html) 8 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html)
9 9
10=head1 SYNOPSIS 10=head1 SYNOPSIS
12 use JSON::XS; 12 use JSON::XS;
13 13
14 # exported functions, they croak on error 14 # exported functions, they croak on error
15 # and expect/generate UTF-8 15 # and expect/generate UTF-8
16 16
17 $utf8_encoded_json_text = to_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref; 17 $utf8_encoded_json_text = encode_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref;
18 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = from_json $utf8_encoded_json_text; 18 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = decode_json $utf8_encoded_json_text;
19 19
20 # OO-interface 20 # OO-interface
21 21
22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref; 22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref;
23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar); 23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar);
24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text); 24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text);
25 25
26 # Note that JSON version 2.0 and above will automatically use JSON::XS
27 # if available, at virtually no speed overhead either, so you should
28 # be able to just:
29
30 use JSON;
31
32 # and do the same things, except that you have a pure-perl fallback now.
33
26=head1 DESCRIPTION 34=head1 DESCRIPTION
27 35
28This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its 36This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its
29primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be 37primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be
30I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C. 38I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C.
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
42overridden) with no overhead due to emulation (by inheriting 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 it and
46doesn't require a C compiler when that is a problem.
31 47
32As 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
33to 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
34modules, 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
35their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug 51their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug
36reports for other reasons. 52reports for other reasons.
37 53
38See COMPARISON, below, for a comparison to some other JSON modules.
39
40See MAPPING, below, on how JSON::XS maps perl values to JSON values and 54See MAPPING, below, on how JSON::XS maps perl values to JSON values and
41vice versa. 55vice versa.
42 56
43=head2 FEATURES 57=head2 FEATURES
44 58
45=over 4 59=over 4
46 60
47=item * correct unicode handling 61=item * correct Unicode handling
48 62
49This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when 63This module knows how to handle Unicode, documents how and when it does
50it does so. 64so, and even documents what "correct" means.
51 65
52=item * round-trip integrity 66=item * round-trip integrity
53 67
54When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported 68When you serialise a perl data structure using only data types supported
55by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level. 69by JSON and Perl, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl
56(e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because it looks 70level. (e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because
57like a number). 71it looks like a number). There I<are> minor exceptions to this, read the
72MAPPING section below to learn about those.
58 73
59=item * strict checking of JSON correctness 74=item * strict checking of JSON correctness
60 75
61There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default, 76There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default,
62and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security 77and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security
63feature). 78feature).
64 79
65=item * fast 80=item * fast
66 81
67Compared to other JSON modules, this module compares favourably in terms 82Compared to other JSON modules and other serialisers such as Storable,
68of speed, too. 83this module usually compares favourably in terms of speed, too.
69 84
70=item * simple to use 85=item * simple to use
71 86
72This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO 87This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an object
73interface. 88oriented interface.
74 89
75=item * reasonably versatile output formats 90=item * reasonably versatile output formats
76 91
77You can choose between the most compact guarenteed single-line format 92You can choose between the most compact guaranteed-single-line format
78possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 93possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ASCII format
79(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole 94(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole
80unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that 95Unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that
81stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like. 96stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
82 97
83=back 98=back
84 99
85=cut 100=cut
86 101
87package JSON::XS; 102package JSON::XS;
88 103
89use strict; 104use common::sense;
90 105
91our $VERSION = '1.51'; 106our $VERSION = 3.04;
92our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 107our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
93 108
94our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 109our @EXPORT = qw(encode_json decode_json);
95 110
96use Exporter; 111use Exporter;
97use XSLoader; 112use XSLoader;
98 113
114use Types::Serialiser ();
115
99=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 116=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
100 117
101The following convinience methods are provided by this module. They are 118The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
102exported by default: 119exported by default:
103 120
104=over 4 121=over 4
105 122
106=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 123=item $json_text = encode_json $perl_scalar
107 124
108Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string 125Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string
109(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error. 126(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
110 127
111This function call is functionally identical to: 128This function call is functionally identical to:
112 129
113 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 130 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
114 131
115except being faster. 132Except being faster.
116 133
117=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 134=item $perl_scalar = decode_json $json_text
118 135
119The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries 136The opposite of C<encode_json>: expects a UTF-8 (binary) string and tries
120to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting 137to parse that as a UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
121reference. Croaks on error. 138reference. Croaks on error.
122 139
123This function call is functionally identical to: 140This function call is functionally identical to:
124 141
125 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text) 142 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text)
126 143
127except being faster. 144Except being faster.
128
129=item $is_boolean = JSON::XS::is_bool $scalar
130
131Returns true if the passed scalar represents either JSON::XS::true or
132JSON::XS::false, two constants that act like C<1> and C<0>, respectively
133and are used to represent JSON C<true> and C<false> values in Perl.
134
135See MAPPING, below, for more information on how JSON values are mapped to
136Perl.
137 145
138=back 146=back
139 147
140 148
141=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL 149=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL
145 153
146=over 4 154=over 4
147 155
148=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255. 156=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255.
149 157
150This enables you to store unicode characters as single characters in a 158This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
151Perl string - very natural. 159Perl string - very natural.
152 160
153=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings. 161=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
154 162
155Unless you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or printing 163... until you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or
156the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your string as 164printing the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your
157locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending on various 165string as locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending
158settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your data, it is 166on various settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your
159I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical metadata. 167data, it is I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical meta data.
160 168
161=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the 169=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
162encoding of your string. 170encoding of your string.
163 171
164Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in 172Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
165XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only 173XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only
166confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string 174confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string
167is encoded. You can have unicode strings with that flag set, with that 175is encoded. You can have Unicode strings with that flag set, with that
168flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag 176flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag
169clear. Other possibilities exist, too. 177clear. Other possibilities exist, too.
170 178
171If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't 179If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't
172exist. 180exist.
173 181
174=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be 182=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be
175validly interpreted as a Unicode codepoint. 183validly interpreted as a Unicode code point.
176 184
177If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a 185If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a
178Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string. 186Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string.
179 187
180=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string. 188=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string.
181 189
182Its a fact. Learn to live with it. 190It's a fact. Learn to live with it.
183 191
184=back 192=back
185 193
186I hope this helps :) 194I hope this helps :)
187 195
194=over 4 202=over 4
195 203
196=item $json = new JSON::XS 204=item $json = new JSON::XS
197 205
198Creates a new JSON::XS object that can be used to de/encode JSON 206Creates a new JSON::XS object that can be used to de/encode JSON
199strings. All boolean flags described below are by default I<disabled>. 207strings. All boolean flags described below are by default I<disabled>
208(with the exception of C<allow_nonref>, which defaults to I<enabled> since
209version C<4.0>).
200 210
201The mutators for flags all return the JSON object again and thus calls can 211The mutators for flags all return the JSON object again and thus calls can
202be chained: 212be chained:
203 213
204 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]}) 214 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]})
205 => {"a": [1, 2]} 215 => {"a": [1, 2]}
206 216
207=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 217=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
208 218
219=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
220
209If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 221If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
210generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 222generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
211unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 223Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
212single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 224single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
213as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native 225as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native
214unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string, 226Unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string,
215or any other superset of ASCII. 227or any other superset of ASCII.
216 228
217If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 229If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
218characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results 230characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
219in a faster and more compact format. 231in a faster and more compact format.
220 232
233See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
234document.
235
221The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be 236The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be
222transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not 237transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not
223contain any 8 bit characters. 238contain any 8 bit characters.
224 239
225 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 240 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
226 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 241 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
227 242
228=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 243=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
229 244
245=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
246
230If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 247If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
231the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 248the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
232outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 249outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
233latin1-encoded JSON text or a native unicode string. The C<decode> method 250latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
234will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 251will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
235expects unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 252expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
236 253
237If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 254If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
238characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. 255characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags.
256
257See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
258document.
239 259
240The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON 260The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON
241text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded 261text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded
242size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 262size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
243in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 263in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
244transfering), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when 264transferring), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when
245you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently 265you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently
246in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders. 266in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders.
247 267
248 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 268 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
249 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 269 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
250 270
251=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 271=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
252 272
273=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
274
253If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 275If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
254the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 276the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
255C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 277C<decode> method expects to be handed a UTF-8-encoded string. Please
256note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 278note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
257range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 279range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
258versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16 280versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16
259and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627. 281and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627.
260 282
261If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON 283If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON
262string as a (non-encoded) unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a 284string as a (non-encoded) Unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a
263unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs 285Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs
264to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module. 286to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module.
287
288See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
289document.
265 290
266Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 291Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
267 292
268 use Encode; 293 use Encode;
269 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object); 294 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object);
290 ] 315 ]
291 } 316 }
292 317
293=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 318=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
294 319
320=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
321
295If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 322If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
296format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 323format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
297into its own line, identing them properly. 324into its own line, indenting them properly.
298 325
299If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the 326If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the
300resulting JSON text is guarenteed not to contain any C<newlines>. 327resulting JSON text is guaranteed not to contain any C<newlines>.
301 328
302This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 329This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
303 330
304=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 331=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
332
333=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
305 334
306If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 335If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
307optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 336optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
308 337
309If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra 338If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra
315Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 344Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
316 345
317 {"key" :"value"} 346 {"key" :"value"}
318 347
319=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 348=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
349
350=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
320 351
321If C<$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
322optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects 353optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
323and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 354and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
324members. 355members.
332 363
333 {"key": "value"} 364 {"key": "value"}
334 365
335=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable]) 366=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
336 367
368=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
369
337If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some 370If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
338extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be 371extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
339affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid 372affected in any way. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid
340JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to 373JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
341parse application-specific files written by humans (configuration files, 374parse application-specific files written by humans (configuration files,
342resource files etc.) 375resource files etc.)
343 376
344If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<decode> will only accept 377If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<decode> will only accept
373 [ 406 [
374 1, # this comment not allowed in JSON 407 1, # this comment not allowed in JSON
375 # neither this one... 408 # neither this one...
376 ] 409 ]
377 410
411=item * literal ASCII TAB characters in strings
412
413Literal ASCII TAB characters are now allowed in strings (and treated as
414C<\t>).
415
416 [
417 "Hello\tWorld",
418 "Hello<TAB>World", # literal <TAB> would not normally be allowed
419 ]
420
378=back 421=back
379 422
380=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 423=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
424
425=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
381 426
382If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 427If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
383by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 428by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
384 429
385If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value 430If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value
386pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs 431pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs
387of the same script). 432of the same script, and can change even within the same run from 5.18
433onwards).
388 434
389This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as 435This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as
390the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled, 436the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled,
391the same hash migh be encoded differently even if contains the same data, 437the same hash might be encoded differently even if contains the same data,
392as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl. 438as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl.
393 439
394This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 440This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
395 441
442This setting has currently no effect on tied hashes.
443
396=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 444=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
445
446=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
447
448Unlike other boolean options, this opotion is enabled by default beginning
449with version C<4.0>. See L<SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS> for the gory details.
397 450
398If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a 451If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a
399non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value, 452non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
400which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON 453which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON
401values instead of croaking. 454values instead of croaking.
403If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will croak if it isn't 456If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will croak if it isn't
404passed an arrayref or hashref, as JSON texts must either be an object 457passed an arrayref or hashref, as JSON texts must either be an object
405or array. Likewise, C<decode> will croak if given something that is not a 458or array. Likewise, C<decode> will croak if given something that is not a
406JSON object or array. 459JSON object or array.
407 460
408Example, encode a Perl scalar as JSON value with enabled C<allow_nonref>, 461Example, encode a Perl scalar as JSON value without enabled C<allow_nonref>,
409resulting in an invalid JSON text: 462resulting in an error:
410 463
411 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 464 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref (0)->encode ("Hello, World!")
412 => "Hello, World!" 465 => hash- or arrayref expected...
466
467=item $json = $json->allow_unknown ([$enable])
468
469=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_unknown
470
471If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode> will I<not> throw an
472exception when it encounters values it cannot represent in JSON (for
473example, filehandles) but instead will encode a JSON C<null> value. Note
474that blessed objects are not included here and are handled separately by
475c<allow_nonref>.
476
477If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
478exception when it encounters anything it cannot encode as JSON.
479
480This option does not affect C<decode> in any way, and it is recommended to
481leave it off unless you know your communications partner.
413 482
414=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 483=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
415 484
485=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
486
487See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION> for details.
488
416If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 489If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
417barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 490barf when it encounters a blessed reference that it cannot convert
418B<convert_blessed> option will decide wether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 491otherwise. Instead, a JSON C<null> value is encoded instead of the object.
419disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the
420object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being
421encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
422 492
423If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 493If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
424exception when it encounters a blessed object. 494exception when it encounters a blessed object that it cannot convert
495otherwise.
496
497This setting has no effect on C<decode>.
425 498
426=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 499=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
500
501=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
502
503See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION> for details.
427 504
428If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 505If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
429blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 506blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
430on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 507on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context and
431and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 508the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object.
432C<TO_JSON> method is found, the value of C<allow_blessed> will decide what
433to do.
434 509
435The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON> 510The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON>
436returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same 511returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same
437way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle 512way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle
438(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other 513(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other
439methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are 514methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are
440usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with the C<to_json> 515usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with any C<to_json>
441function. 516function or method.
442 517
443This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the 518If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will not consider
444future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are 519this type of conversion.
445enabled by this setting.
446 520
447If C<$enable> is false, then the C<allow_blessed> setting will decide what 521This setting has no effect on C<decode>.
448to do when a blessed object is found. 522
523=item $json = $json->allow_tags ([$enable])
524
525=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_tags
526
527See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION> for details.
528
529If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
530blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<FREEZE> method on
531the object's class. If found, it will be used to serialise the object into
532a nonstandard tagged JSON value (that JSON decoders cannot decode).
533
534It also causes C<decode> to parse such tagged JSON values and deserialise
535them via a call to the C<THAW> method.
536
537If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will not consider
538this type of conversion, and tagged JSON values will cause a parse error
539in C<decode>, as if tags were not part of the grammar.
449 540
450=item $json = $json->filter_json_object ([$coderef->($hashref)]) 541=item $json = $json->filter_json_object ([$coderef->($hashref)])
451 542
452When C<$coderef> is specified, it will be called from C<decode> each 543When C<$coderef> is specified, it will be called from C<decode> each
453time it decodes a JSON object. The only argument is a reference to the 544time it decodes a JSON object. The only argument is a reference to
454newly-created hash. If the code references returns a single scalar (which 545the newly-created hash. If the code reference returns a single scalar
455need not be a reference), this value (i.e. a copy of that scalar to avoid 546(which need not be a reference), this value (or rather a copy of it) is
456aliasing) is inserted into the deserialised data structure. If it returns 547inserted into the deserialised data structure. If it returns an empty
457an empty list (NOTE: I<not> C<undef>, which is a valid scalar), the 548list (NOTE: I<not> C<undef>, which is a valid scalar), the original
458original deserialised hash will be inserted. This setting can slow down 549deserialised hash will be inserted. This setting can slow down decoding
459decoding considerably. 550considerably.
460 551
461When C<$coderef> is omitted or undefined, any existing callback will 552When C<$coderef> is omitted or undefined, any existing callback will
462be removed and C<decode> will not change the deserialised hash in any 553be removed and C<decode> will not change the deserialised hash in any
463way. 554way.
464 555
488 579
489As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object> 580As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object>
490one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key 581one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key
491objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially 582objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially
492as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept 583as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept
493as JSON gets (its basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not 584as JSON gets (it's basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not
494support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks 585support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks
495like a serialised Perl hash. 586like a serialised Perl hash.
496 587
497Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or 588Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or
498C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even 589C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even
522 613
523 { __widget__ => $self->{id} } 614 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
524 } 615 }
525 616
526=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 617=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
618
619=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
527 620
528Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 621Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
529strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 622strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
530C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 623C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save
531memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many 624memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
549strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 642strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
550internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 643internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
551 644
552=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 645=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
553 646
647=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
648
554Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 649Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
555or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 650or decoding. If a higher nesting level is detected in JSON text or a Perl
556higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will 651data structure, then the encoder and decoder will stop and croak at that
557stop and croak at that point. 652point.
558 653
559Nesting level is defined by number of hash- or arrayrefs that the encoder 654Nesting level is defined by number of hash- or arrayrefs that the encoder
560needs to traverse to reach a given point or the number of C<{> or C<[> 655needs to traverse to reach a given point or the number of C<{> or C<[>
561characters without their matching closing parenthesis crossed to reach a 656characters without their matching closing parenthesis crossed to reach a
562given character in a string. 657given character in a string.
563 658
564Setting the maximum depth to one disallows any nesting, so that ensures 659Setting the maximum depth to one disallows any nesting, so that ensures
565that the object is only a single hash/object or array. 660that the object is only a single hash/object or array.
566 661
567The argument to C<max_depth> will be rounded up to the next highest power
568of two. If no argument is given, the highest possible setting will be 662If no argument is given, the highest possible setting will be used, which
569used, which is rarely useful. 663is rarely useful.
664
665Note that nesting is implemented by recursion in C. The default value has
666been chosen to be as large as typical operating systems allow without
667crashing.
570 668
571See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 669See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
572 670
573=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 671=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
672
673=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
574 674
575Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 675Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is
576being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode> 676being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode>
577is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not 677is called on a string that is longer then this many bytes, it will not
578attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no 678attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no
579effect on C<encode> (yet). 679effect on C<encode> (yet).
580 680
581The argument to C<max_size> will be rounded up to the next B<highest> 681If no argument is given, the limit check will be deactivated (same as when
582power of two (so may be more than requested). If no argument is given, the 682C<0> is specified).
583limit check will be deactivated (same as when C<0> is specified).
584 683
585See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 684See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
586 685
587=item $json_text = $json->encode ($perl_scalar) 686=item $json_text = $json->encode ($perl_scalar)
588 687
589Converts the given Perl data structure (a simple scalar or a reference 688Converts the given Perl value or data structure to its JSON
590to a hash or array) to its JSON representation. Simple scalars will be 689representation. Croaks on error.
591converted into JSON string or number sequences, while references to arrays
592become JSON arrays and references to hashes become JSON objects. Undefined
593Perl values (e.g. C<undef>) become JSON C<null> values. Neither C<true>
594nor C<false> values will be generated.
595 690
596=item $perl_scalar = $json->decode ($json_text) 691=item $perl_scalar = $json->decode ($json_text)
597 692
598The opposite of C<encode>: expects a JSON text and tries to parse it, 693The opposite of C<encode>: expects a JSON text and tries to parse it,
599returning the resulting simple scalar or reference. Croaks on error. 694returning the resulting simple scalar or reference. Croaks on error.
600
601JSON numbers and strings become simple Perl scalars. JSON arrays become
602Perl arrayrefs and JSON objects become Perl hashrefs. C<true> becomes
603C<1>, C<false> becomes C<0> and C<null> becomes C<undef>.
604 695
605=item ($perl_scalar, $characters) = $json->decode_prefix ($json_text) 696=item ($perl_scalar, $characters) = $json->decode_prefix ($json_text)
606 697
607This works like the C<decode> method, but instead of raising an exception 698This works like the C<decode> method, but instead of raising an exception
608when there is trailing garbage after the first JSON object, it will 699when there is trailing garbage after the first JSON object, it will
609silently stop parsing there and return the number of characters consumed 700silently stop parsing there and return the number of characters consumed
610so far. 701so far.
611 702
612This is useful if your JSON texts are not delimited by an outer protocol 703This is useful if your JSON texts are not delimited by an outer protocol
613(which is not the brightest thing to do in the first place) and you need
614to know where the JSON text ends. 704and you need to know where the JSON text ends.
615 705
616 JSON::XS->new->decode_prefix ("[1] the tail") 706 JSON::XS->new->decode_prefix ("[1] the tail")
617 => ([], 3) 707 => ([1], 3)
618 708
619=back 709=back
710
711
712=head1 INCREMENTAL PARSING
713
714In some cases, there is the need for incremental parsing of JSON
715texts. While this module always has to keep both JSON text and resulting
716Perl data structure in memory at one time, it does allow you to parse a
717JSON stream incrementally. It does so by accumulating text until it has
718a full JSON object, which it then can decode. This process is similar to
719using C<decode_prefix> to see if a full JSON object is available, but
720is much more efficient (and can be implemented with a minimum of method
721calls).
722
723JSON::XS will only attempt to parse the JSON text once it is sure it
724has enough text to get a decisive result, using a very simple but
725truly incremental parser. This means that it sometimes won't stop as
726early as the full parser, for example, it doesn't detect mismatched
727parentheses. The only thing it guarantees is that it starts decoding as
728soon as a syntactically valid JSON text has been seen. This means you need
729to set resource limits (e.g. C<max_size>) to ensure the parser will stop
730parsing in the presence if syntax errors.
731
732The following methods implement this incremental parser.
733
734=over 4
735
736=item [void, scalar or list context] = $json->incr_parse ([$string])
737
738This is the central parsing function. It can both append new text and
739extract objects from the stream accumulated so far (both of these
740functions are optional).
741
742If C<$string> is given, then this string is appended to the already
743existing JSON fragment stored in the C<$json> object.
744
745After that, if the function is called in void context, it will simply
746return without doing anything further. This can be used to add more text
747in as many chunks as you want.
748
749If the method is called in scalar context, then it will try to extract
750exactly I<one> JSON object. If that is successful, it will return this
751object, otherwise it will return C<undef>. If there is a parse error,
752this method will croak just as C<decode> would do (one can then use
753C<incr_skip> to skip the erroneous part). This is the most common way of
754using the method.
755
756And finally, in list context, it will try to extract as many objects
757from the stream as it can find and return them, or the empty list
758otherwise. For this to work, there must be no separators (other than
759whitespace) between the JSON objects or arrays, instead they must be
760concatenated back-to-back. If an error occurs, an exception will be
761raised as in the scalar context case. Note that in this case, any
762previously-parsed JSON texts will be lost.
763
764Example: Parse some JSON arrays/objects in a given string and return
765them.
766
767 my @objs = JSON::XS->new->incr_parse ("[5][7][1,2]");
768
769=item $lvalue_string = $json->incr_text
770
771This method returns the currently stored JSON fragment as an lvalue, that
772is, you can manipulate it. This I<only> works when a preceding call to
773C<incr_parse> in I<scalar context> successfully returned an object. Under
774all other circumstances you must not call this function (I mean it.
775although in simple tests it might actually work, it I<will> fail under
776real world conditions). As a special exception, you can also call this
777method before having parsed anything.
778
779That means you can only use this function to look at or manipulate text
780before or after complete JSON objects, not while the parser is in the
781middle of parsing a JSON object.
782
783This function is useful in two cases: a) finding the trailing text after a
784JSON object or b) parsing multiple JSON objects separated by non-JSON text
785(such as commas).
786
787=item $json->incr_skip
788
789This will reset the state of the incremental parser and will remove
790the parsed text from the input buffer so far. This is useful after
791C<incr_parse> died, in which case the input buffer and incremental parser
792state is left unchanged, to skip the text parsed so far and to reset the
793parse state.
794
795The difference to C<incr_reset> is that only text until the parse error
796occurred is removed.
797
798=item $json->incr_reset
799
800This completely resets the incremental parser, that is, after this call,
801it will be as if the parser had never parsed anything.
802
803This is useful if you want to repeatedly parse JSON objects and want to
804ignore any trailing data, which means you have to reset the parser after
805each successful decode.
806
807=back
808
809=head2 LIMITATIONS
810
811All options that affect decoding are supported, except
812C<allow_nonref>. The reason for this is that it cannot be made to work
813sensibly: JSON objects and arrays are self-delimited, i.e. you can
814concatenate them back to back and still decode them perfectly. This does
815not hold true for JSON numbers, however.
816
817For example, is the string C<1> a single JSON number, or is it simply the
818start of C<12>? Or is C<12> a single JSON number, or the concatenation
819of C<1> and C<2>? In neither case you can tell, and this is why JSON::XS
820takes the conservative route and disallows this case.
821
822=head2 EXAMPLES
823
824Some examples will make all this clearer. First, a simple example that
825works similarly to C<decode_prefix>: We want to decode the JSON object at
826the start of a string and identify the portion after the JSON object:
827
828 my $text = "[1,2,3] hello";
829
830 my $json = new JSON::XS;
831
832 my $obj = $json->incr_parse ($text)
833 or die "expected JSON object or array at beginning of string";
834
835 my $tail = $json->incr_text;
836 # $tail now contains " hello"
837
838Easy, isn't it?
839
840Now for a more complicated example: Imagine a hypothetical protocol where
841you read some requests from a TCP stream, and each request is a JSON
842array, without any separation between them (in fact, it is often useful to
843use newlines as "separators", as these get interpreted as whitespace at
844the start of the JSON text, which makes it possible to test said protocol
845with C<telnet>...).
846
847Here is how you'd do it (it is trivial to write this in an event-based
848manner):
849
850 my $json = new JSON::XS;
851
852 # read some data from the socket
853 while (sysread $socket, my $buf, 4096) {
854
855 # split and decode as many requests as possible
856 for my $request ($json->incr_parse ($buf)) {
857 # act on the $request
858 }
859 }
860
861Another complicated example: Assume you have a string with JSON objects
862or arrays, all separated by (optional) comma characters (e.g. C<[1],[2],
863[3]>). To parse them, we have to skip the commas between the JSON texts,
864and here is where the lvalue-ness of C<incr_text> comes in useful:
865
866 my $text = "[1],[2], [3]";
867 my $json = new JSON::XS;
868
869 # void context, so no parsing done
870 $json->incr_parse ($text);
871
872 # now extract as many objects as possible. note the
873 # use of scalar context so incr_text can be called.
874 while (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
875 # do something with $obj
876
877 # now skip the optional comma
878 $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* , //x;
879 }
880
881Now lets go for a very complex example: Assume that you have a gigantic
882JSON array-of-objects, many gigabytes in size, and you want to parse it,
883but you cannot load it into memory fully (this has actually happened in
884the real world :).
885
886Well, you lost, you have to implement your own JSON parser. But JSON::XS
887can still help you: You implement a (very simple) array parser and let
888JSON decode the array elements, which are all full JSON objects on their
889own (this wouldn't work if the array elements could be JSON numbers, for
890example):
891
892 my $json = new JSON::XS;
893
894 # open the monster
895 open my $fh, "<bigfile.json"
896 or die "bigfile: $!";
897
898 # first parse the initial "["
899 for (;;) {
900 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
901 or die "read error: $!";
902 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
903
904 # Exit the loop once we found and removed(!) the initial "[".
905 # In essence, we are (ab-)using the $json object as a simple scalar
906 # we append data to.
907 last if $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* \[ //x;
908 }
909
910 # now we have the skipped the initial "[", so continue
911 # parsing all the elements.
912 for (;;) {
913 # in this loop we read data until we got a single JSON object
914 for (;;) {
915 if (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
916 # do something with $obj
917 last;
918 }
919
920 # add more data
921 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
922 or die "read error: $!";
923 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
924 }
925
926 # in this loop we read data until we either found and parsed the
927 # separating "," between elements, or the final "]"
928 for (;;) {
929 # first skip whitespace
930 $json->incr_text =~ s/^\s*//;
931
932 # if we find "]", we are done
933 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^\]//) {
934 print "finished.\n";
935 exit;
936 }
937
938 # if we find ",", we can continue with the next element
939 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^,//) {
940 last;
941 }
942
943 # if we find anything else, we have a parse error!
944 if (length $json->incr_text) {
945 die "parse error near ", $json->incr_text;
946 }
947
948 # else add more data
949 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
950 or die "read error: $!";
951 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
952 }
953
954This is a complex example, but most of the complexity comes from the fact
955that we are trying to be correct (bear with me if I am wrong, I never ran
956the above example :).
957
620 958
621 959
622=head1 MAPPING 960=head1 MAPPING
623 961
624This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and 962This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and
625vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 963vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
626circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 964circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
627(what you put in comes out as something equivalent). 965(what you put in comes out as something equivalent).
628 966
629For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions, 967For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions,
630lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppcercase I<Perl> 968lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppercase I<Perl>
631refers to the abstract Perl language itself. 969refers to the abstract Perl language itself.
632 970
633 971
634=head2 JSON -> PERL 972=head2 JSON -> PERL
635 973
636=over 4 974=over 4
637 975
638=item object 976=item object
639 977
640A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object 978A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object
641keys is preserved (JSON does not preserver object key ordering itself). 979keys is preserved (JSON does not preserve object key ordering itself).
642 980
643=item array 981=item array
644 982
645A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl. 983A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl.
646 984
654 992
655A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or 993A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or
656string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On 994string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On
657the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all 995the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all
658the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and 996the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and
659might represent more values exactly than (floating point) numbers. 997might represent more values exactly than floating point numbers.
660 998
661If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent 999If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent
662it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as 1000it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as
663a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of 1001a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of
664precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value. 1002precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value (in
1003which case you lose roundtripping ability, as the JSON number will be
1004re-encoded to a JSON string).
665 1005
666Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be 1006Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be
667represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of 1007represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of
668precision. 1008precision (in which case you might lose perfect roundtripping ability, but
1009the JSON number will still be re-encoded as a JSON number).
669 1010
670This might create round-tripping problems as numbers might become strings, 1011Note that precision is not accuracy - binary floating point values cannot
671but as Perl is typeless there is no other way to do it. 1012represent most decimal fractions exactly, and when converting from and to
1013floating point, JSON::XS only guarantees precision up to but not including
1014the least significant bit.
672 1015
673=item true, false 1016=item true, false
674 1017
675These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 1018These JSON atoms become C<Types::Serialiser::true> and
676respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 1019C<Types::Serialiser::false>, respectively. They are overloaded to act
677C<1> and C<0>. You can check wether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using 1020almost exactly like the numbers C<1> and C<0>. You can check whether
678the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function. 1021a scalar is a JSON boolean by using the C<Types::Serialiser::is_bool>
1022function (after C<use Types::Serialier>, of course).
679 1023
680=item null 1024=item null
681 1025
682A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl. 1026A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl.
1027
1028=item shell-style comments (C<< # I<text> >>)
1029
1030As a nonstandard extension to the JSON syntax that is enabled by the
1031C<relaxed> setting, shell-style comments are allowed. They can start
1032anywhere outside strings and go till the end of the line.
1033
1034=item tagged values (C<< (I<tag>)I<value> >>).
1035
1036Another nonstandard extension to the JSON syntax, enabled with the
1037C<allow_tags> setting, are tagged values. In this implementation, the
1038I<tag> must be a perl package/class name encoded as a JSON string, and the
1039I<value> must be a JSON array encoding optional constructor arguments.
1040
1041See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION>, below, for details.
683 1042
684=back 1043=back
685 1044
686 1045
687=head2 PERL -> JSON 1046=head2 PERL -> JSON
692 1051
693=over 4 1052=over 4
694 1053
695=item hash references 1054=item hash references
696 1055
697Perl hash references become JSON objects. As there is no inherent ordering 1056Perl hash references become JSON objects. As there is no inherent
698in hash keys (or JSON objects), they will usually be encoded in a 1057ordering in hash keys (or JSON objects), they will usually be encoded
699pseudo-random order that can change between runs of the same program but 1058in a pseudo-random order. JSON::XS can optionally sort the hash keys
700stays generally the same within a single run of a program. JSON::XS can 1059(determined by the I<canonical> flag), so the same datastructure will
701optionally sort the hash keys (determined by the I<canonical> flag), so 1060serialise to the same JSON text (given same settings and version of
702the same datastructure will serialise to the same JSON text (given same 1061JSON::XS), but this incurs a runtime overhead and is only rarely useful,
703settings and version of JSON::XS), but this incurs a runtime overhead 1062e.g. when you want to compare some JSON text against another for equality.
704and is only rarely useful, e.g. when you want to compare some JSON text
705against another for equality.
706 1063
707=item array references 1064=item array references
708 1065
709Perl array references become JSON arrays. 1066Perl array references become JSON arrays.
710 1067
711=item other references 1068=item other references
712 1069
713Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an 1070Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an
714exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and 1071exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and
715C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can 1072C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON.
716also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability.
717 1073
1074Since C<JSON::XS> uses the boolean model from L<Types::Serialiser>, you
1075can also C<use Types::Serialiser> and then use C<Types::Serialiser::false>
1076and C<Types::Serialiser::true> to improve readability.
1077
1078 use Types::Serialiser;
718 to_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true] 1079 encode_json [\0, Types::Serialiser::true] # yields [false,true]
719 1080
720=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false 1081=item Types::Serialiser::true, Types::Serialiser::false
721 1082
722These special values become JSON true and JSON false values, 1083These special values from the L<Types::Serialiser> module become JSON true
723respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want. 1084and JSON false values, respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0>
1085directly if you want.
724 1086
725=item blessed objects 1087=item blessed objects
726 1088
727Blessed objects are not allowed. JSON::XS currently tries to encode their 1089Blessed objects are not directly representable in JSON, but C<JSON::XS>
728underlying representation (hash- or arrayref), but this behaviour might 1090allows various ways of handling objects. See L<OBJECT SERIALISATION>,
729change in future versions. 1091below, for details.
730 1092
731=item simple scalars 1093=item simple scalars
732 1094
733Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most 1095Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most
734difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as 1096difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as
735JSON null value, scalars that have last been used in a string context 1097JSON C<null> values, scalars that have last been used in a string context
736before encoding as JSON strings and anything else as number value: 1098before encoding as JSON strings, and anything else as number value:
737 1099
738 # dump as number 1100 # dump as number
739 to_json [2] # yields [2] 1101 encode_json [2] # yields [2]
740 to_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17] 1102 encode_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17]
741 my $value = 5; to_json [$value] # yields [5] 1103 my $value = 5; encode_json [$value] # yields [5]
742 1104
743 # used as string, so dump as string 1105 # used as string, so dump as string
744 print $value; 1106 print $value;
745 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 1107 encode_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
746 1108
747 # undef becomes null 1109 # undef becomes null
748 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 1110 encode_json [undef] # yields [null]
749 1111
750You can force the type to be a string by stringifying it: 1112You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
751 1113
752 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 1114 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
753 "$x"; # stringified 1115 "$x"; # stringified
754 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 1116 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
755 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 1117 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
756 1118
757You can force the type to be a number by numifying it: 1119You can force the type to be a JSON number by numifying it:
758 1120
759 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 1121 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
760 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 1122 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
761 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choise is yours. 1123 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
762 1124
763You can not currently output JSON booleans or force the type in other, 1125You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
764less obscure, ways. Tell me if you need this capability. 1126if you need this capability (but don't forget to explain why it's needed
1127:).
1128
1129Note that numerical precision has the same meaning as under Perl (so
1130binary to decimal conversion follows the same rules as in Perl, which
1131can differ to other languages). Also, your perl interpreter might expose
1132extensions to the floating point numbers of your platform, such as
1133infinities or NaN's - these cannot be represented in JSON, and it is an
1134error to pass those in.
765 1135
766=back 1136=back
767 1137
1138=head2 OBJECT SERIALISATION
768 1139
769=head1 COMPARISON 1140As JSON cannot directly represent Perl objects, you have to choose between
1141a pure JSON representation (without the ability to deserialise the object
1142automatically again), and a nonstandard extension to the JSON syntax,
1143tagged values.
770 1144
771As already mentioned, this module was created because none of the existing 1145=head3 SERIALISATION
772JSON modules could be made to work correctly. First I will describe the 1146
773problems (or pleasures) I encountered with various existing JSON modules, 1147What happens when C<JSON::XS> encounters a Perl object depends on the
774followed by some benchmark values. JSON::XS was designed not to suffer 1148C<allow_blessed>, C<convert_blessed> and C<allow_tags> settings, which are
775from any of these problems or limitations. 1149used in this order:
776 1150
777=over 4 1151=over 4
778 1152
779=item JSON 1.07 1153=item 1. C<allow_tags> is enabled and the object has a C<FREEZE> method.
780 1154
781Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 1155In this case, C<JSON::XS> uses the L<Types::Serialiser> object
1156serialisation protocol to create a tagged JSON value, using a nonstandard
1157extension to the JSON syntax.
782 1158
783Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles unicode values is 1159This works by invoking the C<FREEZE> method on the object, with the first
784undocumented. One can get far by feeding it unicode strings and doing 1160argument being the object to serialise, and the second argument being the
785en-/decoding oneself, but unicode escapes are not working properly). 1161constant string C<JSON> to distinguish it from other serialisers.
786 1162
787No roundtripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 1163The C<FREEZE> method can return any number of values (i.e. zero or
788the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will 1164more). These values and the paclkage/classname of the object will then be
789decode into the number 2. 1165encoded as a tagged JSON value in the following format:
790 1166
791=item JSON::PC 0.01 1167 ("classname")[FREEZE return values...]
792 1168
793Very fast. 1169e.g.:
794 1170
795Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 1171 ("URI")["http://www.google.com/"]
1172 ("MyDate")[2013,10,29]
1173 ("ImageData::JPEG")["Z3...VlCg=="]
796 1174
797No roundtripping. 1175For example, the hypothetical C<My::Object> C<FREEZE> method might use the
1176objects C<type> and C<id> members to encode the object:
798 1177
799Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 1178 sub My::Object::FREEZE {
800values will make it croak). 1179 my ($self, $serialiser) = @_;
801 1180
802Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 1181 ($self->{type}, $self->{id})
803which is not a valid JSON text. 1182 }
804 1183
805Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 1184=item 2. C<convert_blessed> is enabled and the object has a C<TO_JSON> method.
806getting fixed).
807 1185
808=item JSON::Syck 0.21 1186In this case, the C<TO_JSON> method of the object is invoked in scalar
1187context. It must return a single scalar that can be directly encoded into
1188JSON. This scalar replaces the object in the JSON text.
809 1189
810Very buggy (often crashes). 1190For example, the following C<TO_JSON> method will convert all L<URI>
1191objects to JSON strings when serialised. The fatc that these values
1192originally were L<URI> objects is lost.
811 1193
812Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 1194 sub URI::TO_JSON {
813undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 1195 my ($uri) = @_;
814single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to 1196 $uri->as_string
815generate ASCII-only JSON texts). 1197 }
816 1198
817Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (unicode 1199=item 3. C<allow_blessed> is enabled.
818escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to
819I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour).
820 1200
821No roundtripping (simple cases work, but this depends on wether the scalar 1201The object will be serialised as a JSON null value.
822value was used in a numeric context or not).
823 1202
824Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state. 1203=item 4. none of the above
825 1204
826Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 1205If none of the settings are enabled or the respective methods are missing,
827getting fixed). 1206C<JSON::XS> throws an exception.
828
829Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
830return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
831issue: imagine two banks transfering money between each other using
832JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money,
833while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
834good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
835the transaction will still not succeed).
836
837=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
838
839Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
840
841Undocumented unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
842still don't get parsed properly).
843
844Very inflexible.
845
846No roundtripping.
847
848Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
849result in nothing being output)
850
851Does not check input for validity.
852 1207
853=back 1208=back
854 1209
1210=head3 DESERIALISATION
1211
1212For deserialisation there are only two cases to consider: either
1213nonstandard tagging was used, in which case C<allow_tags> decides,
1214or objects cannot be automatically be deserialised, in which
1215case you can use postprocessing or the C<filter_json_object> or
1216C<filter_json_single_key_object> callbacks to get some real objects our of
1217your JSON.
1218
1219This section only considers the tagged value case: I a tagged JSON object
1220is encountered during decoding and C<allow_tags> is disabled, a parse
1221error will result (as if tagged values were not part of the grammar).
1222
1223If C<allow_tags> is enabled, C<JSON::XS> will look up the C<THAW> method
1224of the package/classname used during serialisation (it will not attempt
1225to load the package as a Perl module). If there is no such method, the
1226decoding will fail with an error.
1227
1228Otherwise, the C<THAW> method is invoked with the classname as first
1229argument, the constant string C<JSON> as second argument, and all the
1230values from the JSON array (the values originally returned by the
1231C<FREEZE> method) as remaining arguments.
1232
1233The method must then return the object. While technically you can return
1234any Perl scalar, you might have to enable the C<enable_nonref> setting to
1235make that work in all cases, so better return an actual blessed reference.
1236
1237As an example, let's implement a C<THAW> function that regenerates the
1238C<My::Object> from the C<FREEZE> example earlier:
1239
1240 sub My::Object::THAW {
1241 my ($class, $serialiser, $type, $id) = @_;
1242
1243 $class->new (type => $type, id => $id)
1244 }
1245
1246
1247=head1 ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES
1248
1249The interested reader might have seen a number of flags that signify
1250encodings or codesets - C<utf8>, C<latin1> and C<ascii>. There seems to be
1251some confusion on what these do, so here is a short comparison:
1252
1253C<utf8> controls whether the JSON text created by C<encode> (and expected
1254by C<decode>) is UTF-8 encoded or not, while C<latin1> and C<ascii> only
1255control whether C<encode> escapes character values outside their respective
1256codeset range. Neither of these flags conflict with each other, although
1257some combinations make less sense than others.
1258
1259Care has been taken to make all flags symmetrical with respect to
1260C<encode> and C<decode>, that is, texts encoded with any combination of
1261these flag values will be correctly decoded when the same flags are used
1262- in general, if you use different flag settings while encoding vs. when
1263decoding you likely have a bug somewhere.
1264
1265Below comes a verbose discussion of these flags. Note that a "codeset" is
1266simply an abstract set of character-codepoint pairs, while an encoding
1267takes those codepoint numbers and I<encodes> them, in our case into
1268octets. Unicode is (among other things) a codeset, UTF-8 is an encoding,
1269and ISO-8859-1 (= latin 1) and ASCII are both codesets I<and> encodings at
1270the same time, which can be confusing.
1271
1272=over 4
1273
1274=item C<utf8> flag disabled
1275
1276When C<utf8> is disabled (the default), then C<encode>/C<decode> generate
1277and expect Unicode strings, that is, characters with high ordinal Unicode
1278values (> 255) will be encoded as such characters, and likewise such
1279characters are decoded as-is, no changes to them will be done, except
1280"(re-)interpreting" them as Unicode codepoints or Unicode characters,
1281respectively (to Perl, these are the same thing in strings unless you do
1282funny/weird/dumb stuff).
1283
1284This is useful when you want to do the encoding yourself (e.g. when you
1285want to have UTF-16 encoded JSON texts) or when some other layer does
1286the encoding for you (for example, when printing to a terminal using a
1287filehandle that transparently encodes to UTF-8 you certainly do NOT want
1288to UTF-8 encode your data first and have Perl encode it another time).
1289
1290=item C<utf8> flag enabled
1291
1292If the C<utf8>-flag is enabled, C<encode>/C<decode> will encode all
1293characters using the corresponding UTF-8 multi-byte sequence, and will
1294expect your input strings to be encoded as UTF-8, that is, no "character"
1295of the input string must have any value > 255, as UTF-8 does not allow
1296that.
1297
1298The C<utf8> flag therefore switches between two modes: disabled means you
1299will get a Unicode string in Perl, enabled means you get a UTF-8 encoded
1300octet/binary string in Perl.
1301
1302=item C<latin1> or C<ascii> flags enabled
1303
1304With C<latin1> (or C<ascii>) enabled, C<encode> will escape characters
1305with ordinal values > 255 (> 127 with C<ascii>) and encode the remaining
1306characters as specified by the C<utf8> flag.
1307
1308If C<utf8> is disabled, then the result is also correctly encoded in those
1309character sets (as both are proper subsets of Unicode, meaning that a
1310Unicode string with all character values < 256 is the same thing as a
1311ISO-8859-1 string, and a Unicode string with all character values < 128 is
1312the same thing as an ASCII string in Perl).
1313
1314If C<utf8> is enabled, you still get a correct UTF-8-encoded string,
1315regardless of these flags, just some more characters will be escaped using
1316C<\uXXXX> then before.
1317
1318Note that ISO-8859-1-I<encoded> strings are not compatible with UTF-8
1319encoding, while ASCII-encoded strings are. That is because the ISO-8859-1
1320encoding is NOT a subset of UTF-8 (despite the ISO-8859-1 I<codeset> being
1321a subset of Unicode), while ASCII is.
1322
1323Surprisingly, C<decode> will ignore these flags and so treat all input
1324values as governed by the C<utf8> flag. If it is disabled, this allows you
1325to decode ISO-8859-1- and ASCII-encoded strings, as both strict subsets of
1326Unicode. If it is enabled, you can correctly decode UTF-8 encoded strings.
1327
1328So neither C<latin1> nor C<ascii> are incompatible with the C<utf8> flag -
1329they only govern when the JSON output engine escapes a character or not.
1330
1331The main use for C<latin1> is to relatively efficiently store binary data
1332as JSON, at the expense of breaking compatibility with most JSON decoders.
1333
1334The main use for C<ascii> is to force the output to not contain characters
1335with values > 127, which means you can interpret the resulting string
1336as UTF-8, ISO-8859-1, ASCII, KOI8-R or most about any character set and
13378-bit-encoding, and still get the same data structure back. This is useful
1338when your channel for JSON transfer is not 8-bit clean or the encoding
1339might be mangled in between (e.g. in mail), and works because ASCII is a
1340proper subset of most 8-bit and multibyte encodings in use in the world.
1341
1342=back
1343
1344
1345=head2 JSON and ECMAscript
1346
1347JSON syntax is based on how literals are represented in javascript (the
1348not-standardised predecessor of ECMAscript) which is presumably why it is
1349called "JavaScript Object Notation".
1350
1351However, JSON is not a subset (and also not a superset of course) of
1352ECMAscript (the standard) or javascript (whatever browsers actually
1353implement).
1354
1355If you want to use javascript's C<eval> function to "parse" JSON, you
1356might run into parse errors for valid JSON texts, or the resulting data
1357structure might not be queryable:
1358
1359One of the problems is that U+2028 and U+2029 are valid characters inside
1360JSON strings, but are not allowed in ECMAscript string literals, so the
1361following Perl fragment will not output something that can be guaranteed
1362to be parsable by javascript's C<eval>:
1363
1364 use JSON::XS;
1365
1366 print encode_json [chr 0x2028];
1367
1368The right fix for this is to use a proper JSON parser in your javascript
1369programs, and not rely on C<eval> (see for example Douglas Crockford's
1370F<json2.js> parser).
1371
1372If this is not an option, you can, as a stop-gap measure, simply encode to
1373ASCII-only JSON:
1374
1375 use JSON::XS;
1376
1377 print JSON::XS->new->ascii->encode ([chr 0x2028]);
1378
1379Note that this will enlarge the resulting JSON text quite a bit if you
1380have many non-ASCII characters. You might be tempted to run some regexes
1381to only escape U+2028 and U+2029, e.g.:
1382
1383 # DO NOT USE THIS!
1384 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ([chr 0x2028]);
1385 $json =~ s/\xe2\x80\xa8/\\u2028/g; # escape U+2028
1386 $json =~ s/\xe2\x80\xa9/\\u2029/g; # escape U+2029
1387 print $json;
1388
1389Note that I<this is a bad idea>: the above only works for U+2028 and
1390U+2029 and thus only for fully ECMAscript-compliant parsers. Many existing
1391javascript implementations, however, have issues with other characters as
1392well - using C<eval> naively simply I<will> cause problems.
1393
1394Another problem is that some javascript implementations reserve
1395some property names for their own purposes (which probably makes
1396them non-ECMAscript-compliant). For example, Iceweasel reserves the
1397C<__proto__> property name for its own purposes.
1398
1399If that is a problem, you could parse try to filter the resulting JSON
1400output for these property strings, e.g.:
1401
1402 $json =~ s/"__proto__"\s*:/"__proto__renamed":/g;
1403
1404This works because C<__proto__> is not valid outside of strings, so every
1405occurrence of C<"__proto__"\s*:> must be a string used as property name.
1406
1407If you know of other incompatibilities, please let me know.
1408
855 1409
856=head2 JSON and YAML 1410=head2 JSON and YAML
857 1411
858You often hear that JSON is a subset (or a close subset) of YAML. This is, 1412You often hear that JSON is a subset of YAML. This is, however, a mass
859however, a mass hysteria and very far from the truth. In general, there is 1413hysteria(*) and very far from the truth (as of the time of this writing),
860no way to configure JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML. 1414so let me state it clearly: I<in general, there is no way to configure
1415JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML> that works in all
1416cases.
861 1417
862If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this 1418If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this
863algorithm (subject to change in future versions): 1419algorithm (subject to change in future versions):
864 1420
865 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1); 1421 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1);
866 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 1422 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
867 1423
868This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 1424This will I<usually> generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
869YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 1425YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key
870lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash 1426lengths that JSON doesn't have and also has different and incompatible
1427unicode character escape syntax, so you should make sure that your hash
871keys are noticably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 1428keys are noticeably shorter than the 1024 "stream characters" YAML allows
1429and that you do not have characters with codepoint values outside the
1430Unicode BMP (basic multilingual page). YAML also does not allow C<\/>
1431sequences in strings (which JSON::XS does not I<currently> generate, but
1432other JSON generators might).
872 1433
873There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 1434There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of (or the YAML
1435specification has been changed yet again - it does so quite often). In
874you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa, 1436general you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice
875or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high 1437versa, or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are
876that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 1438high that you will run into severe interoperability problems when you
1439least expect it.
1440
1441=over 4
1442
1443=item (*)
1444
1445I have been pressured multiple times by Brian Ingerson (one of the
1446authors of the YAML specification) to remove this paragraph, despite him
1447acknowledging that the actual incompatibilities exist. As I was personally
1448bitten by this "JSON is YAML" lie, I refused and said I will continue to
1449educate people about these issues, so others do not run into the same
1450problem again and again. After this, Brian called me a (quote)I<complete
1451and worthless idiot>(unquote).
1452
1453In my opinion, instead of pressuring and insulting people who actually
1454clarify issues with YAML and the wrong statements of some of its
1455proponents, I would kindly suggest reading the JSON spec (which is not
1456that difficult or long) and finally make YAML compatible to it, and
1457educating users about the changes, instead of spreading lies about the
1458real compatibility for many I<years> and trying to silence people who
1459point out that it isn't true.
1460
1461Addendum/2009: the YAML 1.2 spec is still incompatible with JSON, even
1462though the incompatibilities have been documented (and are known to Brian)
1463for many years and the spec makes explicit claims that YAML is a superset
1464of JSON. It would be so easy to fix, but apparently, bullying people and
1465corrupting userdata is so much easier.
1466
1467=back
877 1468
878 1469
879=head2 SPEED 1470=head2 SPEED
880 1471
881It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following 1472It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following
882tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program 1473tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program
883in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own 1474in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own
884system. 1475system.
885 1476
886First comes a comparison between various modules using a very short 1477First comes a comparison between various modules using
887single-line JSON string: 1478a very short single-line JSON string (also available at
1479L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/short.json>).
888 1480
889 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1", "we were just talking"], \ 1481 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1",
890 "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7, true, false]} 1482 "we were just talking"], "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7,
1483 1, 0]}
891 1484
892It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 1485It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
893the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 1486the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
894with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 1487with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
895shrink). Higher is better: 1488shrink. JSON::DWIW/DS uses the deserialise function, while JSON::DWIW::FJ
1489uses the from_json method). Higher is better:
896 1490
897 Storable | 15779.925 | 14169.946 |
898 -----------+------------+------------+
899 module | encode | decode | 1491 module | encode | decode |
900 -----------|------------|------------| 1492 --------------|------------|------------|
901 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 1493 JSON::DWIW/DS | 86302.551 | 102300.098 |
902 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 1494 JSON::DWIW/FJ | 86302.551 | 75983.768 |
903 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 1495 JSON::PP | 15827.562 | 6638.658 |
904 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 1496 JSON::Syck | 63358.066 | 47662.545 |
905 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 1497 JSON::XS | 511500.488 | 511500.488 |
906 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 1498 JSON::XS/2 | 291271.111 | 388361.481 |
907 JSON::XS/2 | 227951.304 | 218453.333 | 1499 JSON::XS/3 | 361577.931 | 361577.931 |
908 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 | 1500 Storable | 66788.280 | 265462.278 |
909 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 |
910 -----------+------------+------------+ 1501 --------------+------------+------------+
911 1502
912That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding, 1503That is, JSON::XS is almost six times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding,
913about three times faster on decoding, and over fourty times faster 1504about five times faster on decoding, and over thirty to seventy times
914than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 1505faster than JSON's pure perl implementation. It also compares favourably
915favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 1506to Storable for small amounts of data.
916 1507
917Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 1508Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
918search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 1509search API (L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/long.json>).
919 1510
920 module | encode | decode | 1511 module | encode | decode |
921 -----------|------------|------------| 1512 --------------|------------|------------|
922 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 1513 JSON::DWIW/DS | 1647.927 | 2673.916 |
923 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 1514 JSON::DWIW/FJ | 1630.249 | 2596.128 |
924 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
925 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 1515 JSON::PP | 400.640 | 62.311 |
926 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 1516 JSON::Syck | 1481.040 | 1524.869 |
927 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 1517 JSON::XS | 20661.596 | 9541.183 |
928 JSON::XS/2 | 3869.998 | 4798.975 | 1518 JSON::XS/2 | 10683.403 | 9416.938 |
929 JSON::XS/3 | 5862.880 | 4798.975 | 1519 JSON::XS/3 | 20661.596 | 9400.054 |
930 Storable | 4445.002 | 5235.027 | 1520 Storable | 19765.806 | 10000.725 |
931 -----------+------------+------------+ 1521 --------------+------------+------------+
932 1522
933Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly 1523Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly
934decodes faster). 1524decodes a bit faster).
935 1525
936On large strings containing lots of high unicode characters, some modules 1526On large strings containing lots of high Unicode characters, some modules
937(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result 1527(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result
938will be broken due to missing (or wrong) unicode handling. Others refuse 1528will be broken due to missing (or wrong) Unicode handling. Others refuse
939to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair 1529to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair
940comparison table for that case. 1530comparison table for that case.
941 1531
942 1532
943=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 1533=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
949any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am 1539any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am
950trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 1540trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
951 1541
952Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should 1542Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
953limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your 1543limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your
954resources run out, thats just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that 1544resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that
955can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is 1545can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is
956usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode 1546usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode
957it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON 1547it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON
958text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you 1548text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you
959might want to check the size before you accept the string. 1549might want to check the size before you accept the string.
960 1550
961Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 1551Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
962arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64 1552arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64
963machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but 1553machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but
964only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak 1554only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak
965to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. to be 1555to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. To be
966conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process 1556conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process
967has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the 1557has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the
968C<max_depth> method. 1558C<max_depth> method.
969 1559
970And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 1560Something else could bomb you, too, that I forgot to think of. In that
971of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, 1561case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, though...
972though... 1562
1563Also keep in mind that JSON::XS might leak contents of your Perl data
1564structures in its error messages, so when you serialise sensitive
1565information you might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by JSON::XS
1566will not end up in front of untrusted eyes.
973 1567
974If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 1568If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
975by javascript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 1569by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
976L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see wether 1570L<http://blog.archive.jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security/> to
977you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1571see whether you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really
978design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major 1572are browser design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with
979browser developers care only for features, not about doing security 1573it, as major browser developers care only for features, not about getting
980right). 1574security right).
981 1575
982 1576
1577=head2 "OLD" VS. "NEW" JSON (RFC 4627 VS. RFC 7159)
1578
1579JSON originally required JSON texts to represent an array or object -
1580scalar values were explicitly not allowed. This has changed, and versions
1581of JSON::XS beginning with C<4.0> reflect this by allowing scalar values
1582by default.
1583
1584One reason why one might not want this is that this removes a fundamental
1585property of JSON texts, namely that they are self-delimited and
1586self-contained, or in other words, you could take any number of "old"
1587JSON texts and paste them together, and the result would be unambiguously
1588parseable:
1589
1590 [1,3]{"k":5}[][null] # four JSON texts, without doubt
1591
1592By allowing scalars, this property is lost: in the following example, is
1593this one JSON text (the number 12) or two JSON texts (the numbers 1 and
15942):
1595
1596 12 # could be 12, or 1 and 2
1597
1598Another lost property of "old" JSON is that no lookahead is required to
1599know the end of a JSON text, i.e. the JSON text definitely ended at the
1600last C<]> or C<}> character, there was no need to read extra characters.
1601
1602For example, a viable network protocol with "old" JSON was to simply
1603exchange JSON texts without delimiter. For "new" JSON, you have to use a
1604suitable delimiter (such as a newline) after every JSON text or ensure you
1605never encode/decode scalar values.
1606
1607Most protocols do work by only transferring arrays or objects, and the
1608easiest way to avoid problems with the "new" JSON definition is to
1609explicitly disallow scalar values in your encoder and decoder:
1610
1611 $json_coder = JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref (0)
1612
1613This is a somewhat unhappy situation, and the blame can fully be put on
1614JSON's inmventor, Douglas Crockford, who unilaterally changed the format
1615in 2006 without consulting the IETF, forcing the IETF to either fork the
1616format or go with it (as I was told, the IETF wasn't amused).
1617
1618
1619=head1 INTEROPERABILITY WITH OTHER MODULES
1620
1621C<JSON::XS> uses the L<Types::Serialiser> module to provide boolean
1622constants. That means that the JSON true and false values will be
1623comaptible to true and false values of other modules that do the same,
1624such as L<JSON::PP> and L<CBOR::XS>.
1625
1626
1627=head1 INTEROPERABILITY WITH OTHER JSON DECODERS
1628
1629As long as you only serialise data that can be directly expressed in JSON,
1630C<JSON::XS> is incapable of generating invalid JSON output (modulo bugs,
1631but C<JSON::XS> has found more bugs in the official JSON testsuite (1)
1632than the official JSON testsuite has found in C<JSON::XS> (0)).
1633
1634When you have trouble decoding JSON generated by this module using other
1635decoders, then it is very likely that you have an encoding mismatch or the
1636other decoder is broken.
1637
1638When decoding, C<JSON::XS> is strict by default and will likely catch all
1639errors. There are currently two settings that change this: C<relaxed>
1640makes C<JSON::XS> accept (but not generate) some non-standard extensions,
1641and C<allow_tags> will allow you to encode and decode Perl objects, at the
1642cost of not outputting valid JSON anymore.
1643
1644=head2 TAGGED VALUE SYNTAX AND STANDARD JSON EN/DECODERS
1645
1646When you use C<allow_tags> to use the extended (and also nonstandard and
1647invalid) JSON syntax for serialised objects, and you still want to decode
1648the generated When you want to serialise objects, you can run a regex
1649to replace the tagged syntax by standard JSON arrays (it only works for
1650"normal" package names without comma, newlines or single colons). First,
1651the readable Perl version:
1652
1653 # if your FREEZE methods return no values, you need this replace first:
1654 $json =~ s/\( \s* (" (?: [^\\":,]+|\\.|::)* ") \s* \) \s* \[\s*\]/[$1]/gx;
1655
1656 # this works for non-empty constructor arg lists:
1657 $json =~ s/\( \s* (" (?: [^\\":,]+|\\.|::)* ") \s* \) \s* \[/[$1,/gx;
1658
1659And here is a less readable version that is easy to adapt to other
1660languages:
1661
1662 $json =~ s/\(\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*\)\s*\[/[$1,/g;
1663
1664Here is an ECMAScript version (same regex):
1665
1666 json = json.replace (/\(\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*\)\s*\[/g, "[$1,");
1667
1668Since this syntax converts to standard JSON arrays, it might be hard to
1669distinguish serialised objects from normal arrays. You can prepend a
1670"magic number" as first array element to reduce chances of a collision:
1671
1672 $json =~ s/\(\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*\)\s*\[/["XU1peReLzT4ggEllLanBYq4G9VzliwKF",$1,/g;
1673
1674And after decoding the JSON text, you could walk the data
1675structure looking for arrays with a first element of
1676C<XU1peReLzT4ggEllLanBYq4G9VzliwKF>.
1677
1678The same approach can be used to create the tagged format with another
1679encoder. First, you create an array with the magic string as first member,
1680the classname as second, and constructor arguments last, encode it as part
1681of your JSON structure, and then:
1682
1683 $json =~ s/\[\s*"XU1peReLzT4ggEllLanBYq4G9VzliwKF"\s*,\s*("([^\\":,]+|\\.|::)*")\s*,/($1)[/g;
1684
1685Again, this has some limitations - the magic string must not be encoded
1686with character escapes, and the constructor arguments must be non-empty.
1687
1688
1689=head1 RFC7159
1690
1691Since this module was written, Google has written a new JSON RFC, RFC 7159
1692(and RFC7158). Unfortunately, this RFC breaks compatibility with both the
1693original JSON specification on www.json.org and RFC4627.
1694
1695As far as I can see, you can get partial compatibility when parsing by
1696using C<< ->allow_nonref >>. However, consider the security implications
1697of doing so.
1698
1699I haven't decided yet when to break compatibility with RFC4627 by default
1700(and potentially leave applications insecure) and change the default to
1701follow RFC7159, but application authors are well advised to call C<<
1702->allow_nonref(0) >> even if this is the current default, if they cannot
1703handle non-reference values, in preparation for the day when the default
1704will change.
1705
1706
983=head1 THREADS 1707=head1 (I-)THREADS
984 1708
985This module is I<not> guarenteed to be thread safe and there are no 1709This module is I<not> guaranteed to be ithread (or MULTIPLICITY-) safe
986plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the 1710and there are no plans to change this. Note that perl's builtin so-called
987horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated 1711threads/ithreads are officially deprecated and should not be used.
988process simulations - use fork, its I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
989 1712
990(It might actually work, but you ahve ben warned). 1713
1714=head1 THE PERILS OF SETLOCALE
1715
1716Sometimes people avoid the Perl locale support and directly call the
1717system's setlocale function with C<LC_ALL>.
1718
1719This breaks both perl and modules such as JSON::XS, as stringification of
1720numbers no longer works correctly (e.g. C<$x = 0.1; print "$x"+1> might
1721print C<1>, and JSON::XS might output illegal JSON as JSON::XS relies on
1722perl to stringify numbers).
1723
1724The solution is simple: don't call C<setlocale>, or use it for only those
1725categories you need, such as C<LC_MESSAGES> or C<LC_CTYPE>.
1726
1727If you need C<LC_NUMERIC>, you should enable it only around the code that
1728actually needs it (avoiding stringification of numbers), and restore it
1729afterwards.
991 1730
992 1731
993=head1 BUGS 1732=head1 BUGS
994 1733
995While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1734While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does
996not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is 1735not mean it's bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. If you
997still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they 1736keep reporting bugs they will be fixed swiftly, though.
998will be fixed swiftly, though.
999 1737
1000Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting 1738Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
1001service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason. 1739service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
1002 1740
1003=cut 1741=cut
1004 1742
1005our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1743BEGIN {
1006our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1744 *true = \$Types::Serialiser::true;
1745 *true = \&Types::Serialiser::true;
1746 *false = \$Types::Serialiser::false;
1747 *false = \&Types::Serialiser::false;
1748 *is_bool = \&Types::Serialiser::is_bool;
1007 1749
1008sub true() { $true } 1750 *JSON::XS::Boolean:: = *Types::Serialiser::Boolean::;
1009sub false() { $false }
1010
1011sub is_bool($) {
1012 UNIVERSAL::isa $_[0], "JSON::XS::Boolean"
1013# or UNIVERSAL::isa $_[0], "JSON::Literal"
1014} 1751}
1015 1752
1016XSLoader::load "JSON::XS", $VERSION; 1753XSLoader::load "JSON::XS", $VERSION;
1017 1754
1018package JSON::XS::Boolean; 1755=head1 SEE ALSO
1019 1756
1020use overload 1757The F<json_xs> command line utility for quick experiments.
1021 "0+" => sub { ${$_[0]} },
1022 "++" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} + 1 },
1023 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 },
1024 fallback => 1;
1025
10261;
1027 1758
1028=head1 AUTHOR 1759=head1 AUTHOR
1029 1760
1030 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1761 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1031 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1762 http://home.schmorp.de/
1032 1763
1033=cut 1764=cut
1034 1765
17661
1767

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines