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Revision 1.66 by root, Sun Oct 14 20:02:57 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.98 by root, Wed Mar 26 02:36:18 2008 UTC

1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2
3=encoding utf-8
2 4
3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast 5JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
4 6
5JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ 7JSON::XS - 正しくて高速な JSON シリアライザ/デシリアライザ
6 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html) 8 (http://fleur.hio.jp/perldoc/mix/lib/JSON/XS.html)
10 use JSON::XS; 12 use JSON::XS;
11 13
12 # exported functions, they croak on error 14 # exported functions, they croak on error
13 # and expect/generate UTF-8 15 # and expect/generate UTF-8
14 16
15 $utf8_encoded_json_text = to_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref; 17 $utf8_encoded_json_text = encode_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref;
16 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = from_json $utf8_encoded_json_text; 18 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = decode_json $utf8_encoded_json_text;
17 19
18 # OO-interface 20 # OO-interface
19 21
20 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref; 22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref;
21 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar); 23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar);
22 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text); 24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text);
23 25
26 # Note that JSON version 2.0 and above will automatically use JSON::XS
27 # if available, at virtually no speed overhead either, so you should
28 # be able to just:
29
30 use JSON;
31
32 # and do the same things, except that you have a pure-perl fallback now.
33
24=head1 DESCRIPTION 34=head1 DESCRIPTION
25 35
26This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its 36This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its
27primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be 37primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be
28I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C. 38I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C.
39
40Beginning with version 2.0 of the JSON module, when both JSON and
41JSON::XS are installed, then JSON will fall back on JSON::XS (this can be
42overriden) with no overhead due to emulation (by inheritign constructor
43and methods). If JSON::XS is not available, it will fall back to the
44compatible JSON::PP module as backend, so using JSON instead of JSON::XS
45gives you a portable JSON API that can be fast when you need and doesn't
46require a C compiler when that is a problem.
29 47
30As this is the n-th-something JSON module on CPAN, what was the reason 48As this is the n-th-something JSON module on CPAN, what was the reason
31to write yet another JSON module? While it seems there are many JSON 49to write yet another JSON module? While it seems there are many JSON
32modules, none of them correctly handle all corner cases, and in most cases 50modules, none of them correctly handle all corner cases, and in most cases
33their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug 51their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug
40 58
41=head2 FEATURES 59=head2 FEATURES
42 60
43=over 4 61=over 4
44 62
45=item * correct unicode handling 63=item * correct Unicode handling
46 64
47This module knows how to handle Unicode, and even documents how and when 65This module knows how to handle Unicode, documents how and when it does
48it does so. 66so, and even documents what "correct" means.
49 67
50=item * round-trip integrity 68=item * round-trip integrity
51 69
52When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported 70When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported
53by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level. 71by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level.
54(e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because it looks 72(e.g. the string "2.0" doesn't suddenly become "2" just because it looks
55like a number). 73like a number). There minor I<are> exceptions to this, read the MAPPING
74section below to learn about those.
56 75
57=item * strict checking of JSON correctness 76=item * strict checking of JSON correctness
58 77
59There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default, 78There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default,
60and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security 79and only JSON is accepted as input by default (the latter is a security
61feature). 80feature).
62 81
63=item * fast 82=item * fast
64 83
65Compared to other JSON modules, this module compares favourably in terms 84Compared to other JSON modules and other serialisers such as Storable,
66of speed, too. 85this module usually compares favourably in terms of speed, too.
67 86
68=item * simple to use 87=item * simple to use
69 88
70This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an OO 89This module has both a simple functional interface as well as an objetc
71interface. 90oriented interface interface.
72 91
73=item * reasonably versatile output formats 92=item * reasonably versatile output formats
74 93
75You can choose between the most compact guarenteed single-line format 94You can choose between the most compact guaranteed-single-line format
76possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 95possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format
77(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole 96(for when your transport is not 8-bit clean, still supports the whole
78unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that 97Unicode range), or a pretty-printed format (for when you want to read that
79stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like. 98stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
80 99
81=back 100=back
82 101
83=cut 102=cut
84 103
85package JSON::XS; 104package JSON::XS;
86 105
87use strict; 106use strict;
88 107
89our $VERSION = '1.51'; 108our $VERSION = '2.1';
90our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 109our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
91 110
92our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 111our @EXPORT = qw(encode_json decode_json to_json from_json);
112
113sub to_json($) {
114 require Carp;
115 Carp::croak ("JSON::XS::to_json has been renamed to encode_json, either downgrade to pre-2.0 versions of JSON::XS or rename the call");
116}
117
118sub from_json($) {
119 require Carp;
120 Carp::croak ("JSON::XS::from_json has been renamed to decode_json, either downgrade to pre-2.0 versions of JSON::XS or rename the call");
121}
93 122
94use Exporter; 123use Exporter;
95use XSLoader; 124use XSLoader;
96 125
97=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 126=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
98 127
99The following convinience methods are provided by this module. They are 128The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
100exported by default: 129exported by default:
101 130
102=over 4 131=over 4
103 132
104=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 133=item $json_text = encode_json $perl_scalar
105 134
106Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string 135Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string
107(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error. 136(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
108 137
109This function call is functionally identical to: 138This function call is functionally identical to:
110 139
111 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 140 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
112 141
113except being faster. 142except being faster.
114 143
115=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 144=item $perl_scalar = decode_json $json_text
116 145
117The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries 146The opposite of C<encode_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries
118to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting 147to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
119reference. Croaks on error. 148reference. Croaks on error.
120 149
121This function call is functionally identical to: 150This function call is functionally identical to:
122 151
143 172
144=over 4 173=over 4
145 174
146=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255. 175=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255.
147 176
148This enables you to store unicode characters as single characters in a 177This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
149Perl string - very natural. 178Perl string - very natural.
150 179
151=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings. 180=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
152 181
153Unless you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or printing 182... until you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or
154the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your string as 183printing the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your
155locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending on various 184string as locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending
156settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your data, it is 185on various settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your
157I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical metadata. 186data, it is I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical meta data.
158 187
159=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the 188=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
160encoding of your string. 189encoding of your string.
161 190
162Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in 191Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
163XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only 192XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only
164confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string 193confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string
165is encoded. You can have unicode strings with that flag set, with that 194is encoded. You can have Unicode strings with that flag set, with that
166flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag 195flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag
167clear. Other possibilities exist, too. 196clear. Other possibilities exist, too.
168 197
169If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't 198If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't
170exist. 199exist.
175If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a 204If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a
176Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string. 205Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string.
177 206
178=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string. 207=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string.
179 208
180Its a fact. Learn to live with it. 209It's a fact. Learn to live with it.
181 210
182=back 211=back
183 212
184I hope this helps :) 213I hope this helps :)
185 214
202 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]}) 231 my $json = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after->encode ({a => [1,2]})
203 => {"a": [1, 2]} 232 => {"a": [1, 2]}
204 233
205=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 234=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
206 235
236=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
237
207If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 238If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
208generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 239generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
209unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 240Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
210single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 241single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
211as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native 242as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native
212unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string, 243Unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string,
213or any other superset of ASCII. 244or any other superset of ASCII.
214 245
215If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 246If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
216characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results 247characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
217in a faster and more compact format. 248in a faster and more compact format.
218 249
250See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
251document.
252
219The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be 253The main use for this flag is to produce JSON texts that can be
220transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not 254transmitted over a 7-bit channel, as the encoded JSON texts will not
221contain any 8 bit characters. 255contain any 8 bit characters.
222 256
223 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 257 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
224 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 258 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
225 259
226=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 260=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
227 261
262=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
263
228If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 264If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
229the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 265the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
230outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 266outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
231latin1-encoded JSON text or a native unicode string. The C<decode> method 267latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
232will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 268will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
233expects unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 269expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
234 270
235If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode 271If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not escape Unicode
236characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. 272characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags.
273
274See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
275document.
237 276
238The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON 277The main use for this flag is efficiently encoding binary data as JSON
239text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded 278text, as most octets will not be escaped, resulting in a smaller encoded
240size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 279size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
241in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 280in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
242transfering), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when 281transferring), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when
243you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently 282you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently
244in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders. 283in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders.
245 284
246 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 285 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
247 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 286 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
248 287
249=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 288=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
289
290=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
250 291
251If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 292If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
252the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 293the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
253C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 294C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please
254note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 295note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
255range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 296range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
256versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16 297versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16
257and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627. 298and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627.
258 299
259If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON 300If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will return the JSON
260string as a (non-encoded) unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a 301string as a (non-encoded) Unicode string, while C<decode> expects thus a
261unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs 302Unicode string. Any decoding or encoding (e.g. to UTF-8 or UTF-16) needs
262to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module. 303to be done yourself, e.g. using the Encode module.
304
305See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
306document.
263 307
264Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 308Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
265 309
266 use Encode; 310 use Encode;
267 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object); 311 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object);
288 ] 332 ]
289 } 333 }
290 334
291=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 335=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
292 336
337=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
338
293If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 339If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
294format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 340format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
295into its own line, identing them properly. 341into its own line, indenting them properly.
296 342
297If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the 343If C<$enable> is false, no newlines or indenting will be produced, and the
298resulting JSON text is guarenteed not to contain any C<newlines>. 344resulting JSON text is guaranteed not to contain any C<newlines>.
299 345
300This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 346This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
301 347
302=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 348=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
349
350=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
303 351
304If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 352If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
305optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 353optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
306 354
307If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra 355If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will not add any extra
313Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 361Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
314 362
315 {"key" :"value"} 363 {"key" :"value"}
316 364
317=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 365=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
366
367=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
318 368
319If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 369If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
320optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects 370optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
321and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 371and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
322members. 372members.
329Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled: 379Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled:
330 380
331 {"key": "value"} 381 {"key": "value"}
332 382
333=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable]) 383=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
384
385=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
334 386
335If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some 387If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
336extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be 388extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
337affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid 389affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid
338JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to 390JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
375 427
376=back 428=back
377 429
378=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 430=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
379 431
432=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
433
380If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 434If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
381by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 435by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
382 436
383If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value 437If C<$enable> is false, then the C<encode> method will output key-value
384pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs 438pairs in the order Perl stores them (which will likely change between runs
385of the same script). 439of the same script).
386 440
387This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as 441This option is useful if you want the same data structure to be encoded as
388the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled, 442the same JSON text (given the same overall settings). If it is disabled,
389the same hash migh be encoded differently even if contains the same data, 443the same hash might be encoded differently even if contains the same data,
390as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl. 444as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl.
391 445
392This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 446This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
393 447
394=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 448=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
449
450=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
395 451
396If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a 452If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method can convert a
397non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value, 453non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
398which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON 454which is an extension to RFC4627. Likewise, C<decode> will accept those JSON
399values instead of croaking. 455values instead of croaking.
409 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 465 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!")
410 => "Hello, World!" 466 => "Hello, World!"
411 467
412=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 468=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
413 469
470=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
471
414If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 472If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
415barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 473barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the
416B<convert_blessed> option will decide wether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 474B<convert_blessed> option will decide whether C<null> (C<convert_blessed>
417disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the 475disabled or no C<TO_JSON> method found) or a representation of the
418object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being 476object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<TO_JSON> method found) is being
419encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>. 477encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
420 478
421If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 479If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
422exception when it encounters a blessed object. 480exception when it encounters a blessed object.
423 481
424=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 482=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
483
484=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
425 485
426If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 486If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
427blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 487blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
428on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 488on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context
429and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 489and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no
433The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON> 493The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON>
434returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same 494returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same
435way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle 495way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle
436(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other 496(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other
437methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are 497methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are
438usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with the C<to_json> 498usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with any C<to_json>
439function. 499function or method.
440 500
441This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the 501This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the
442future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are 502future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are
443enabled by this setting. 503enabled by this setting.
444 504
486 546
487As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object> 547As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object>
488one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key 548one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key
489objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially 549objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially
490as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept 550as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept
491as JSON gets (its basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not 551as JSON gets (it's basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not
492support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks 552support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks
493like a serialised Perl hash. 553like a serialised Perl hash.
494 554
495Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or 555Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or
496C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even 556C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even
520 580
521 { __widget__ => $self->{id} } 581 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
522 } 582 }
523 583
524=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 584=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
585
586=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
525 587
526Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 588Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
527strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 589strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
528C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 590C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save
529memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many 591memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
547strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 609strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
548internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 610internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
549 611
550=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 612=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
551 613
614=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
615
552Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 616Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
553or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 617or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or
554higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will 618higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will
555stop and croak at that point. 619stop and croak at that point.
556 620
567used, which is rarely useful. 631used, which is rarely useful.
568 632
569See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 633See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
570 634
571=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 635=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
636
637=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
572 638
573Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 639Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is
574being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode> 640being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode>
575is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not 641is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not
576attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no 642attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no
615 => ([], 3) 681 => ([], 3)
616 682
617=back 683=back
618 684
619 685
686=head1 INCREMENTAL PARSING
687
688[This section and the API it details is still EXPERIMENTAL]
689
690In some cases, there is the need for incremental parsing of JSON
691texts. While this module always has to keep both JSON text and resulting
692Perl data structure in memory at one time, it does allow you to parse a
693JSON stream incrementally. It does so by accumulating text until it has
694a full JSON object, which it then can decode. This process is similar to
695using C<decode_prefix> to see if a full JSON object is available, but is
696much more efficient (JSON::XS will only attempt to parse the JSON text
697once it is sure it has enough text to get a decisive result, using a very
698simple but truly incremental parser).
699
700The following two methods deal with this.
701
702=over 4
703
704=item [void, scalar or list context] = $json->incr_parse ([$string])
705
706This is the central parsing function. It can both append new text and
707extract objects from the stream accumulated so far (both of these
708functions are optional).
709
710If C<$string> is given, then this string is appended to the already
711existing JSON fragment stored in the C<$json> object.
712
713After that, if the function is called in void context, it will simply
714return without doing anything further. This can be used to add more text
715in as many chunks as you want.
716
717If the method is called in scalar context, then it will try to extract
718exactly I<one> JSON object. If that is successful, it will return this
719object, otherwise it will return C<undef>. If there is a parse error,
720this method will croak just as C<decode> would do (one can then use
721C<incr_skip> to skip the errornous part). This is the most common way of
722using the method.
723
724And finally, in list context, it will try to extract as many objects
725from the stream as it can find and return them, or the empty list
726otherwise. For this to work, there must be no separators between the JSON
727objects or arrays, instead they must be concatenated back-to-back. If
728an error occurs, an exception will be raised as in the scalar context
729case. Note that in this case, any previously-parsed JSON texts will be
730lost.
731
732=item $lvalue_string = $json->incr_text
733
734This method returns the currently stored JSON fragment as an lvalue, that
735is, you can manipulate it. This I<only> works when a preceding call to
736C<incr_parse> in I<scalar context> successfully returned an object. Under
737all other circumstances you must not call this function (I mean it.
738although in simple tests it might actually work, it I<will> fail under
739real world conditions). As a special exception, you can also call this
740method before having parsed anything.
741
742This function is useful in two cases: a) finding the trailing text after a
743JSON object or b) parsing multiple JSON objects separated by non-JSON text
744(such as commas).
745
746=item $json->incr_skip
747
748This will reset the state of the incremental parser and will remove the
749parsed text from the input buffer. This is useful after C<incr_parse>
750died, in which case the input buffer and incremental parser state is left
751unchanged, to skip the text parsed so far and to reset the parse state.
752
753=back
754
755=head2 LIMITATIONS
756
757All options that affect decoding are supported, except
758C<allow_nonref>. The reason for this is that it cannot be made to
759work sensibly: JSON objects and arrays are self-delimited, i.e. you can concatenate
760them back to back and still decode them perfectly. This does not hold true
761for JSON numbers, however.
762
763For example, is the string C<1> a single JSON number, or is it simply the
764start of C<12>? Or is C<12> a single JSON number, or the concatenation
765of C<1> and C<2>? In neither case you can tell, and this is why JSON::XS
766takes the conservative route and disallows this case.
767
768=head2 EXAMPLES
769
770Some examples will make all this clearer. First, a simple example that
771works similarly to C<decode_prefix>: We want to decode the JSON object at
772the start of a string and identify the portion after the JSON object:
773
774 my $text = "[1,2,3] hello";
775
776 my $json = new JSON::XS;
777
778 my $obj = $json->incr_parse ($text)
779 or die "expected JSON object or array at beginning of string";
780
781 my $tail = $json->incr_text;
782 # $tail now contains " hello"
783
784Easy, isn't it?
785
786Now for a more complicated example: Imagine a hypothetical protocol where
787you read some requests from a TCP stream, and each request is a JSON
788array, without any separation between them (in fact, it is often useful to
789use newlines as "separators", as these get interpreted as whitespace at
790the start of the JSON text, which makes it possible to test said protocol
791with C<telnet>...).
792
793Here is how you'd do it (it is trivial to write this in an event-based
794manner):
795
796 my $json = new JSON::XS;
797
798 # read some data from the socket
799 while (sysread $socket, my $buf, 4096) {
800
801 # split and decode as many requests as possible
802 for my $request ($json->incr_parse ($buf)) {
803 # act on the $request
804 }
805 }
806
807Another complicated example: Assume you have a string with JSON objects
808or arrays, all separated by (optional) comma characters (e.g. C<[1],[2],
809[3]>). To parse them, we have to skip the commas between the JSON texts,
810and here is where the lvalue-ness of C<incr_text> comes in useful:
811
812 my $text = "[1],[2], [3]";
813 my $json = new JSON::XS;
814
815 # void context, so no parsing done
816 $json->incr_parse ($text);
817
818 # now extract as many objects as possible. note the
819 # use of scalar context so incr_text can be called.
820 while (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
821 # do something with $obj
822
823 # now skip the optional comma
824 $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* , //x;
825 }
826
827Now lets go for a very complex example: Assume that you have a gigantic
828JSON array-of-objects, many gigabytes in size, and you want to parse it,
829but you cannot load it into memory fully (this has actually happened in
830the real world :).
831
832Well, you lost, you have to implement your own JSON parser. But JSON::XS
833can still help you: You implement a (very simple) array parser and let
834JSON decode the array elements, which are all full JSON objects on their
835own (this wouldn't work if the array elements could be JSON numbers, for
836example):
837
838 my $json = new JSON::XS;
839
840 # open the monster
841 open my $fh, "<bigfile.json"
842 or die "bigfile: $!";
843
844 # first parse the initial "["
845 for (;;) {
846 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
847 or die "read error: $!";
848 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
849
850 # Exit the loop once we found and removed(!) the initial "[".
851 # In essence, we are (ab-)using the $json object as a simple scalar
852 # we append data to.
853 last if $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* \[ //x;
854 }
855
856 # now we have the skipped the initial "[", so continue
857 # parsing all the elements.
858 for (;;) {
859 # in this loop we read data until we got a single JSON object
860 for (;;) {
861 if (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
862 # do something with $obj
863 last;
864 }
865
866 # add more data
867 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
868 or die "read error: $!";
869 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
870 }
871
872 # in this loop we read data until we either found and parsed the
873 # separating "," between elements, or the final "]"
874 for (;;) {
875 # first skip whitespace
876 $json->incr_text =~ s/^\s*//;
877
878 # if we find "]", we are done
879 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^\]//) {
880 print "finished.\n";
881 exit;
882 }
883
884 # if we find ",", we can continue with the next element
885 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^,//) {
886 last;
887 }
888
889 # if we find anything else, we have a parse error!
890 if (length $json->incr_text) {
891 die "parse error near ", $json->incr_text;
892 }
893
894 # else add more data
895 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
896 or die "read error: $!";
897 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
898 }
899
900This is a complex example, but most of the complexity comes from the fact
901that we are trying to be correct (bear with me if I am wrong, I never ran
902the above example :).
903
904
905
620=head1 MAPPING 906=head1 MAPPING
621 907
622This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and 908This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and
623vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 909vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
624circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 910circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
625(what you put in comes out as something equivalent). 911(what you put in comes out as something equivalent).
626 912
627For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions, 913For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions,
628lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppcercase I<Perl> 914lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppercase I<Perl>
629refers to the abstract Perl language itself. 915refers to the abstract Perl language itself.
630 916
631 917
632=head2 JSON -> PERL 918=head2 JSON -> PERL
633 919
634=over 4 920=over 4
635 921
636=item object 922=item object
637 923
638A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object 924A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object
639keys is preserved (JSON does not preserver object key ordering itself). 925keys is preserved (JSON does not preserve object key ordering itself).
640 926
641=item array 927=item array
642 928
643A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl. 929A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl.
644 930
652 938
653A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or 939A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or
654string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On 940string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On
655the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all 941the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all
656the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and 942the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and
657might represent more values exactly than (floating point) numbers. 943might represent more values exactly than floating point numbers.
658 944
659If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent 945If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent
660it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as 946it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as
661a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of 947a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of
662precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value. 948precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value (in
949which case you lose roundtripping ability, as the JSON number will be
950re-encoded toa JSON string).
663 951
664Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be 952Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be
665represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of 953represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of
666precision. 954precision (in which case you might lose perfect roundtripping ability, but
667 955the JSON number will still be re-encoded as a JSON number).
668This might create round-tripping problems as numbers might become strings,
669but as Perl is typeless there is no other way to do it.
670 956
671=item true, false 957=item true, false
672 958
673These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 959These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>,
674respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 960respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers
675C<1> and C<0>. You can check wether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using 961C<1> and C<0>. You can check whether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using
676the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function. 962the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function.
677 963
678=item null 964=item null
679 965
680A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl. 966A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl.
711Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an 997Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an
712exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and 998exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and
713C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can 999C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can
714also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability. 1000also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability.
715 1001
716 to_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true] 1002 encode_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true]
717 1003
718=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false 1004=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false
719 1005
720These special values become JSON true and JSON false values, 1006These special values become JSON true and JSON false values,
721respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want. 1007respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want.
722 1008
723=item blessed objects 1009=item blessed objects
724 1010
725Blessed objects are not allowed. JSON::XS currently tries to encode their 1011Blessed objects are not directly representable in JSON. See the
726underlying representation (hash- or arrayref), but this behaviour might 1012C<allow_blessed> and C<convert_blessed> methods on various options on
727change in future versions. 1013how to deal with this: basically, you can choose between throwing an
1014exception, encoding the reference as if it weren't blessed, or provide
1015your own serialiser method.
728 1016
729=item simple scalars 1017=item simple scalars
730 1018
731Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most 1019Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most
732difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as 1020difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as
733JSON null value, scalars that have last been used in a string context 1021JSON C<null> values, scalars that have last been used in a string context
734before encoding as JSON strings and anything else as number value: 1022before encoding as JSON strings, and anything else as number value:
735 1023
736 # dump as number 1024 # dump as number
737 to_json [2] # yields [2] 1025 encode_json [2] # yields [2]
738 to_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17] 1026 encode_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17]
739 my $value = 5; to_json [$value] # yields [5] 1027 my $value = 5; encode_json [$value] # yields [5]
740 1028
741 # used as string, so dump as string 1029 # used as string, so dump as string
742 print $value; 1030 print $value;
743 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 1031 encode_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
744 1032
745 # undef becomes null 1033 # undef becomes null
746 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 1034 encode_json [undef] # yields [null]
747 1035
748You can force the type to be a string by stringifying it: 1036You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
749 1037
750 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 1038 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
751 "$x"; # stringified 1039 "$x"; # stringified
752 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 1040 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
753 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 1041 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
754 1042
755You can force the type to be a number by numifying it: 1043You can force the type to be a JSON number by numifying it:
756 1044
757 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 1045 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
758 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 1046 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
759 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choise is yours. 1047 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
760 1048
761You can not currently output JSON booleans or force the type in other, 1049You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
762less obscure, ways. Tell me if you need this capability. 1050if you need this capability (but don't forget to explain why it's needed
1051:).
763 1052
764=back 1053=back
765 1054
766 1055
767=head1 COMPARISON 1056=head1 ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES
768 1057
769As already mentioned, this module was created because none of the existing 1058The interested reader might have seen a number of flags that signify
770JSON modules could be made to work correctly. First I will describe the 1059encodings or codesets - C<utf8>, C<latin1> and C<ascii>. There seems to be
771problems (or pleasures) I encountered with various existing JSON modules, 1060some confusion on what these do, so here is a short comparison:
772followed by some benchmark values. JSON::XS was designed not to suffer 1061
773from any of these problems or limitations. 1062C<utf8> controls whether the JSON text created by C<encode> (and expected
1063by C<decode>) is UTF-8 encoded or not, while C<latin1> and C<ascii> only
1064control whether C<encode> escapes character values outside their respective
1065codeset range. Neither of these flags conflict with each other, although
1066some combinations make less sense than others.
1067
1068Care has been taken to make all flags symmetrical with respect to
1069C<encode> and C<decode>, that is, texts encoded with any combination of
1070these flag values will be correctly decoded when the same flags are used
1071- in general, if you use different flag settings while encoding vs. when
1072decoding you likely have a bug somewhere.
1073
1074Below comes a verbose discussion of these flags. Note that a "codeset" is
1075simply an abstract set of character-codepoint pairs, while an encoding
1076takes those codepoint numbers and I<encodes> them, in our case into
1077octets. Unicode is (among other things) a codeset, UTF-8 is an encoding,
1078and ISO-8859-1 (= latin 1) and ASCII are both codesets I<and> encodings at
1079the same time, which can be confusing.
774 1080
775=over 4 1081=over 4
776 1082
777=item JSON 1.07 1083=item C<utf8> flag disabled
778 1084
779Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 1085When C<utf8> is disabled (the default), then C<encode>/C<decode> generate
1086and expect Unicode strings, that is, characters with high ordinal Unicode
1087values (> 255) will be encoded as such characters, and likewise such
1088characters are decoded as-is, no canges to them will be done, except
1089"(re-)interpreting" them as Unicode codepoints or Unicode characters,
1090respectively (to Perl, these are the same thing in strings unless you do
1091funny/weird/dumb stuff).
780 1092
781Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles unicode values is 1093This is useful when you want to do the encoding yourself (e.g. when you
782undocumented. One can get far by feeding it unicode strings and doing 1094want to have UTF-16 encoded JSON texts) or when some other layer does
783en-/decoding oneself, but unicode escapes are not working properly). 1095the encoding for you (for example, when printing to a terminal using a
1096filehandle that transparently encodes to UTF-8 you certainly do NOT want
1097to UTF-8 encode your data first and have Perl encode it another time).
784 1098
785No roundtripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 1099=item C<utf8> flag enabled
786the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will
787decode into the number 2.
788 1100
789=item JSON::PC 0.01 1101If the C<utf8>-flag is enabled, C<encode>/C<decode> will encode all
1102characters using the corresponding UTF-8 multi-byte sequence, and will
1103expect your input strings to be encoded as UTF-8, that is, no "character"
1104of the input string must have any value > 255, as UTF-8 does not allow
1105that.
790 1106
791Very fast. 1107The C<utf8> flag therefore switches between two modes: disabled means you
1108will get a Unicode string in Perl, enabled means you get an UTF-8 encoded
1109octet/binary string in Perl.
792 1110
793Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 1111=item C<latin1> or C<ascii> flags enabled
794 1112
795No roundtripping. 1113With C<latin1> (or C<ascii>) enabled, C<encode> will escape characters
1114with ordinal values > 255 (> 127 with C<ascii>) and encode the remaining
1115characters as specified by the C<utf8> flag.
796 1116
797Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 1117If C<utf8> is disabled, then the result is also correctly encoded in those
798values will make it croak). 1118character sets (as both are proper subsets of Unicode, meaning that a
1119Unicode string with all character values < 256 is the same thing as a
1120ISO-8859-1 string, and a Unicode string with all character values < 128 is
1121the same thing as an ASCII string in Perl).
799 1122
800Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 1123If C<utf8> is enabled, you still get a correct UTF-8-encoded string,
801which is not a valid JSON text. 1124regardless of these flags, just some more characters will be escaped using
1125C<\uXXXX> then before.
802 1126
803Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 1127Note that ISO-8859-1-I<encoded> strings are not compatible with UTF-8
804getting fixed). 1128encoding, while ASCII-encoded strings are. That is because the ISO-8859-1
1129encoding is NOT a subset of UTF-8 (despite the ISO-8859-1 I<codeset> being
1130a subset of Unicode), while ASCII is.
805 1131
806=item JSON::Syck 0.21 1132Surprisingly, C<decode> will ignore these flags and so treat all input
1133values as governed by the C<utf8> flag. If it is disabled, this allows you
1134to decode ISO-8859-1- and ASCII-encoded strings, as both strict subsets of
1135Unicode. If it is enabled, you can correctly decode UTF-8 encoded strings.
807 1136
808Very buggy (often crashes). 1137So neither C<latin1> nor C<ascii> are incompatible with the C<utf8> flag -
1138they only govern when the JSON output engine escapes a character or not.
809 1139
810Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 1140The main use for C<latin1> is to relatively efficiently store binary data
811undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 1141as JSON, at the expense of breaking compatibility with most JSON decoders.
812single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to
813generate ASCII-only JSON texts).
814 1142
815Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (unicode 1143The main use for C<ascii> is to force the output to not contain characters
816escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to 1144with values > 127, which means you can interpret the resulting string
817I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour). 1145as UTF-8, ISO-8859-1, ASCII, KOI8-R or most about any character set and
818 11468-bit-encoding, and still get the same data structure back. This is useful
819No roundtripping (simple cases work, but this depends on wether the scalar 1147when your channel for JSON transfer is not 8-bit clean or the encoding
820value was used in a numeric context or not). 1148might be mangled in between (e.g. in mail), and works because ASCII is a
821 1149proper subset of most 8-bit and multibyte encodings in use in the world.
822Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state.
823
824Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not
825getting fixed).
826
827Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
828return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
829issue: imagine two banks transfering money between each other using
830JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money,
831while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
832good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
833the transaction will still not succeed).
834
835=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
836
837Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
838
839Undocumented unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
840still don't get parsed properly).
841
842Very inflexible.
843
844No roundtripping.
845
846Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
847result in nothing being output)
848
849Does not check input for validity.
850 1150
851=back 1151=back
852 1152
853 1153
854=head2 JSON and YAML 1154=head2 JSON and YAML
855 1155
856You often hear that JSON is a subset (or a close subset) of YAML. This is, 1156You often hear that JSON is a subset of YAML. This is, however, a mass
857however, a mass hysteria and very far from the truth. In general, there is 1157hysteria(*) and very far from the truth (as of the time of this writing),
858no way to configure JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML. 1158so let me state it clearly: I<in general, there is no way to configure
1159JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML> that works in all
1160cases.
859 1161
860If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this 1162If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this
861algorithm (subject to change in future versions): 1163algorithm (subject to change in future versions):
862 1164
863 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1); 1165 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1);
864 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 1166 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
865 1167
866This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 1168This will I<usually> generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
867YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 1169YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key
868lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash 1170lengths that JSON doesn't have and also has different and incompatible
1171unicode handling, so you should make sure that your hash keys are
869keys are noticably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 1172noticeably shorter than the 1024 "stream characters" YAML allows and that
1173you do not have characters with codepoint values outside the Unicode BMP
1174(basic multilingual page). YAML also does not allow C<\/> sequences in
1175strings (which JSON::XS does not I<currently> generate, but other JSON
1176generators might).
870 1177
871There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 1178There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of (or the YAML
1179specification has been changed yet again - it does so quite often). In
872you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa, 1180general you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice
873or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high 1181versa, or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are
874that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 1182high that you will run into severe interoperability problems when you
1183least expect it.
1184
1185=over 4
1186
1187=item (*)
1188
1189I have been pressured multiple times by Brian Ingerson (one of the
1190authors of the YAML specification) to remove this paragraph, despite him
1191acknowledging that the actual incompatibilities exist. As I was personally
1192bitten by this "JSON is YAML" lie, I refused and said I will continue to
1193educate people about these issues, so others do not run into the same
1194problem again and again. After this, Brian called me a (quote)I<complete
1195and worthless idiot>(unquote).
1196
1197In my opinion, instead of pressuring and insulting people who actually
1198clarify issues with YAML and the wrong statements of some of its
1199proponents, I would kindly suggest reading the JSON spec (which is not
1200that difficult or long) and finally make YAML compatible to it, and
1201educating users about the changes, instead of spreading lies about the
1202real compatibility for many I<years> and trying to silence people who
1203point out that it isn't true.
1204
1205=back
875 1206
876 1207
877=head2 SPEED 1208=head2 SPEED
878 1209
879It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following 1210It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following
880tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program 1211tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program
881in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own 1212in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own
882system. 1213system.
883 1214
884First comes a comparison between various modules using a very short 1215First comes a comparison between various modules using
885single-line JSON string: 1216a very short single-line JSON string (also available at
1217L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/short.json>).
886 1218
887 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1", "we were just talking"], \ 1219 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1", "we were just talking"], \
888 "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7, true, false]} 1220 "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7, true, false]}
889 1221
890It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 1222It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
891the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 1223the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
892with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 1224with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
893shrink). Higher is better: 1225shrink). Higher is better:
894 1226
895 Storable | 15779.925 | 14169.946 |
896 -----------+------------+------------+
897 module | encode | decode | 1227 module | encode | decode |
898 -----------|------------|------------| 1228 -----------|------------|------------|
899 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 1229 JSON 1.x | 4990.842 | 4088.813 |
900 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 1230 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 |
901 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 1231 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 |
902 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 1232 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 |
903 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 1233 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 |
904 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 1234 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 |
906 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 | 1236 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 |
907 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 | 1237 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 |
908 -----------+------------+------------+ 1238 -----------+------------+------------+
909 1239
910That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding, 1240That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding,
911about three times faster on decoding, and over fourty times faster 1241about three times faster on decoding, and over forty times faster
912than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 1242than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares
913favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 1243favourably to Storable for small amounts of data.
914 1244
915Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 1245Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
916search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 1246search API (L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/long.json>).
917 1247
918 module | encode | decode | 1248 module | encode | decode |
919 -----------|------------|------------| 1249 -----------|------------|------------|
920 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 1250 JSON 1.x | 55.260 | 34.971 |
921 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 1251 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 |
922 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 | 1252 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
923 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 1253 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 |
924 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 1254 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 |
925 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 1255 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 |
929 -----------+------------+------------+ 1259 -----------+------------+------------+
930 1260
931Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly 1261Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly
932decodes faster). 1262decodes faster).
933 1263
934On large strings containing lots of high unicode characters, some modules 1264On large strings containing lots of high Unicode characters, some modules
935(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result 1265(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result
936will be broken due to missing (or wrong) unicode handling. Others refuse 1266will be broken due to missing (or wrong) Unicode handling. Others refuse
937to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair 1267to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair
938comparison table for that case. 1268comparison table for that case.
939 1269
940 1270
941=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 1271=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
947any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am 1277any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am
948trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 1278trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
949 1279
950Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should 1280Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
951limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your 1281limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your
952resources run out, thats just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that 1282resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that
953can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is 1283can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is
954usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode 1284usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode
955it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON 1285it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON
956text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you 1286text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you
957might want to check the size before you accept the string. 1287might want to check the size before you accept the string.
958 1288
959Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 1289Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
960arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64 1290arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64
961machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but 1291machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but
962only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak 1292only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak
963to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. to be 1293to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. To be
964conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process 1294conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process
965has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the 1295has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the
966C<max_depth> method. 1296C<max_depth> method.
967 1297
968And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 1298Something else could bomb you, too, that I forgot to think of. In that
969of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, 1299case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, though...
970though... 1300
1301Also keep in mind that JSON::XS might leak contents of your Perl data
1302structures in its error messages, so when you serialise sensitive
1303information you might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by JSON::XS
1304will not end up in front of untrusted eyes.
971 1305
972If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 1306If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
973by javascript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 1307by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
974L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see wether 1308L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see whether
975you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1309you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser
976design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major 1310design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major
977browser developers care only for features, not about doing security 1311browser developers care only for features, not about getting security
978right). 1312right).
979 1313
980 1314
981=head1 THREADS 1315=head1 THREADS
982 1316
983This module is I<not> guarenteed to be thread safe and there are no 1317This module is I<not> guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no
984plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the 1318plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the
985horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated 1319horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated
986process simulations - use fork, its I<much> faster, cheaper, better). 1320process simulations - use fork, it's I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
987 1321
988(It might actually work, but you ahve ben warned). 1322(It might actually work, but you have been warned).
989 1323
990 1324
991=head1 BUGS 1325=head1 BUGS
992 1326
993While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1327While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does
994not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is 1328not mean it's bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is
995still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they 1329still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they
996will be fixed swiftly, though. 1330will be fixed swiftly, though.
997 1331
998Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting 1332Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
999service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason. 1333service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
1021 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 }, 1355 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 },
1022 fallback => 1; 1356 fallback => 1;
1023 1357
10241; 13581;
1025 1359
1360=head1 SEE ALSO
1361
1362The F<json_xs> command line utility for quick experiments.
1363
1026=head1 AUTHOR 1364=head1 AUTHOR
1027 1365
1028 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1366 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1029 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1367 http://home.schmorp.de/
1030 1368

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