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Revision 1.49 by root, Sun Jul 1 14:08:03 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.99 by root, Thu Mar 27 06:37:35 2008 UTC

1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3=encoding utf-8
4
3JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast 5JSON::XS - JSON serialising/deserialising, done correctly and fast
6
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)
4 9
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 10=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 11
7 use JSON::XS; 12 use JSON::XS;
8 13
9 # exported functions, they croak on error 14 # exported functions, they croak on error
10 # and expect/generate UTF-8 15 # and expect/generate UTF-8
11 16
12 $utf8_encoded_json_text = to_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref; 17 $utf8_encoded_json_text = encode_json $perl_hash_or_arrayref;
13 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = from_json $utf8_encoded_json_text; 18 $perl_hash_or_arrayref = decode_json $utf8_encoded_json_text;
14 19
15 # OO-interface 20 # OO-interface
16 21
17 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref; 22 $coder = JSON::XS->new->ascii->pretty->allow_nonref;
18 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar); 23 $pretty_printed_unencoded = $coder->encode ($perl_scalar);
19 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text); 24 $perl_scalar = $coder->decode ($unicode_json_text);
20 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
21=head1 DESCRIPTION 34=head1 DESCRIPTION
22 35
23This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its 36This module converts Perl data structures to JSON and vice versa. Its
24primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be 37primary goal is to be I<correct> and its secondary goal is to be
25I<fast>. To reach the latter goal it was written in C. 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.
26 47
27As 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
28to 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
29modules, 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
30their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug 51their maintainers are unresponsive, gone missing, or not listening to bug
37 58
38=head2 FEATURES 59=head2 FEATURES
39 60
40=over 4 61=over 4
41 62
42=item * correct unicode handling 63=item * correct Unicode handling
43 64
44This 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
45it does so. 66so, and even documents what "correct" means.
46 67
47=item * round-trip integrity 68=item * round-trip integrity
48 69
49When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported 70When you serialise a perl data structure using only datatypes supported
50by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level. 71by JSON, the deserialised data structure is identical on the Perl level.
51(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
52like a number). 73like a number). There minor I<are> exceptions to this, read the MAPPING
74section below to learn about those.
53 75
54=item * strict checking of JSON correctness 76=item * strict checking of JSON correctness
55 77
56There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default, 78There is no guessing, no generating of illegal JSON texts by default,
57and 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
58feature). 80feature).
59 81
60=item * fast 82=item * fast
61 83
62Compared to other JSON modules, this module compares favourably in terms 84Compared to other JSON modules and other serialisers such as Storable,
63of speed, too. 85this module usually compares favourably in terms of speed, too.
64 86
65=item * simple to use 87=item * simple to use
66 88
67This 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
68interface. 90oriented interface interface.
69 91
70=item * reasonably versatile output formats 92=item * reasonably versatile output formats
71 93
72You can choose between the most compact guarenteed single-line format 94You can choose between the most compact guaranteed-single-line format
73possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format 95possible (nice for simple line-based protocols), a pure-ascii format
74(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
75unicode 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
76stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like. 98stuff). Or you can combine those features in whatever way you like.
77 99
78=back 100=back
79 101
80=cut 102=cut
81 103
82package JSON::XS; 104package JSON::XS;
83 105
84use strict; 106use strict;
85 107
86our $VERSION = '1.4'; 108our $VERSION = '2.2';
87our @ISA = qw(Exporter); 109our @ISA = qw(Exporter);
88 110
89our @EXPORT = qw(to_json from_json); 111our @EXPORT = qw(encode_json decode_json to_json from_json);
112
113sub to_json($) {
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}
90 122
91use Exporter; 123use Exporter;
92use XSLoader; 124use XSLoader;
93 125
94=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE 126=head1 FUNCTIONAL INTERFACE
95 127
96The following convinience methods are provided by this module. They are 128The following convenience methods are provided by this module. They are
97exported by default: 129exported by default:
98 130
99=over 4 131=over 4
100 132
101=item $json_text = to_json $perl_scalar 133=item $json_text = encode_json $perl_scalar
102 134
103Converts the given Perl data structure (a simple scalar or a reference to 135Converts the given Perl data structure to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string
104a hash or array) to a UTF-8 encoded, binary string (that is, the string contains 136(that is, the string contains octets only). Croaks on error.
105octets only). Croaks on error.
106 137
107This function call is functionally identical to: 138This function call is functionally identical to:
108 139
109 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar) 140 $json_text = JSON::XS->new->utf8->encode ($perl_scalar)
110 141
111except being faster. 142except being faster.
112 143
113=item $perl_scalar = from_json $json_text 144=item $perl_scalar = decode_json $json_text
114 145
115The opposite of C<to_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries to 146The opposite of C<encode_json>: expects an UTF-8 (binary) string and tries
116parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting simple 147to parse that as an UTF-8 encoded JSON text, returning the resulting
117scalar or reference. Croaks on error. 148reference. Croaks on error.
118 149
119This function call is functionally identical to: 150This function call is functionally identical to:
120 151
121 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text) 152 $perl_scalar = JSON::XS->new->utf8->decode ($json_text)
122 153
132Perl. 163Perl.
133 164
134=back 165=back
135 166
136 167
168=head1 A FEW NOTES ON UNICODE AND PERL
169
170Since this often leads to confusion, here are a few very clear words on
171how Unicode works in Perl, modulo bugs.
172
173=over 4
174
175=item 1. Perl strings can store characters with ordinal values > 255.
176
177This enables you to store Unicode characters as single characters in a
178Perl string - very natural.
179
180=item 2. Perl does I<not> associate an encoding with your strings.
181
182... until you force it to, e.g. when matching it against a regex, or
183printing the scalar to a file, in which case Perl either interprets your
184string as locale-encoded text, octets/binary, or as Unicode, depending
185on various settings. In no case is an encoding stored together with your
186data, it is I<use> that decides encoding, not any magical meta data.
187
188=item 3. The internal utf-8 flag has no meaning with regards to the
189encoding of your string.
190
191Just ignore that flag unless you debug a Perl bug, a module written in
192XS or want to dive into the internals of perl. Otherwise it will only
193confuse you, as, despite the name, it says nothing about how your string
194is encoded. You can have Unicode strings with that flag set, with that
195flag clear, and you can have binary data with that flag set and that flag
196clear. Other possibilities exist, too.
197
198If you didn't know about that flag, just the better, pretend it doesn't
199exist.
200
201=item 4. A "Unicode String" is simply a string where each character can be
202validly interpreted as a Unicode codepoint.
203
204If you have UTF-8 encoded data, it is no longer a Unicode string, but a
205Unicode string encoded in UTF-8, giving you a binary string.
206
207=item 5. A string containing "high" (> 255) character values is I<not> a UTF-8 string.
208
209It's a fact. Learn to live with it.
210
211=back
212
213I hope this helps :)
214
215
137=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE 216=head1 OBJECT-ORIENTED INTERFACE
138 217
139The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or 218The object oriented interface lets you configure your own encoding or
140decoding style, within the limits of supported formats. 219decoding style, within the limits of supported formats.
141 220
152 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]})
153 => {"a": [1, 2]} 232 => {"a": [1, 2]}
154 233
155=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable]) 234=item $json = $json->ascii ([$enable])
156 235
236=item $enabled = $json->get_ascii
237
157If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 238If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
158generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any 239generate characters outside the code range C<0..127> (which is ASCII). Any
159unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a 240Unicode characters outside that range will be escaped using either a
160single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence, 241single \uXXXX (BMP characters) or a double \uHHHH\uLLLLL escape sequence,
161as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native 242as per RFC4627. The resulting encoded JSON text can be treated as a native
162unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string, 243Unicode string, an ascii-encoded, latin1-encoded or UTF-8 encoded string,
163or any other superset of ASCII. 244or any other superset of ASCII.
164 245
165If C<$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
166characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results 247characters unless required by the JSON syntax or other flags. This results
167in a faster and more compact format. 248in a faster and more compact format.
168 249
250See also the section I<ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES> later in this
251document.
252
169The 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
170transmitted 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
171contain any 8 bit characters. 255contain any 8 bit characters.
172 256
173 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401]) 257 JSON::XS->new->ascii (1)->encode ([chr 0x10401])
174 => ["\ud801\udc01"] 258 => ["\ud801\udc01"]
175 259
176=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable]) 260=item $json = $json->latin1 ([$enable])
177 261
262=item $enabled = $json->get_latin1
263
178If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 264If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
179the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters 265the resulting JSON text as latin1 (or iso-8859-1), escaping any characters
180outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a 266outside the code range C<0..255>. The resulting string can be treated as a
181latin1-encoded JSON text or a native unicode string. The C<decode> method 267latin1-encoded JSON text or a native Unicode string. The C<decode> method
182will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default 268will not be affected in any way by this flag, as C<decode> by default
183expects unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1. 269expects Unicode, which is a strict superset of latin1.
184 270
185If C<$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
186characters 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.
187 276
188The 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
189text, 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
190size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded 279size. The disadvantage is that the resulting JSON text is encoded
191in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and 280in latin1 (and must correctly be treated as such when storing and
192transfering), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when 281transferring), a rare encoding for JSON. It is therefore most useful when
193you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently 282you want to store data structures known to contain binary data efficiently
194in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders. 283in files or databases, not when talking to other JSON encoders/decoders.
195 284
196 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"] 285 JSON::XS->new->latin1->encode (["\x{89}\x{abc}"]
197 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not) 286 => ["\x{89}\\u0abc"] # (perl syntax, U+abc escaped, U+89 not)
198 287
199=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable]) 288=item $json = $json->utf8 ([$enable])
289
290=item $enabled = $json->get_utf8
200 291
201If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode 292If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will encode
202the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the 293the JSON result into UTF-8, as required by many protocols, while the
203C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please 294C<decode> method expects to be handled an UTF-8-encoded string. Please
204note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the 295note that UTF-8-encoded strings do not contain any characters outside the
205range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future 296range C<0..255>, they are thus useful for bytewise/binary I/O. In future
206versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16 297versions, enabling this option might enable autodetection of the UTF-16
207and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627. 298and UTF-32 encoding families, as described in RFC4627.
208 299
209If C<$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
210string 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
211unicode 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
212to 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.
213 307
214Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON: 308Example, output UTF-16BE-encoded JSON:
215 309
216 use Encode; 310 use Encode;
217 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object); 311 $jsontext = encode "UTF-16BE", JSON::XS->new->encode ($object);
238 ] 332 ]
239 } 333 }
240 334
241=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable]) 335=item $json = $json->indent ([$enable])
242 336
337=item $enabled = $json->get_indent
338
243If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline 339If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will use a multiline
244format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair 340format as output, putting every array member or object/hash key-value pair
245into its own line, identing them properly. 341into its own line, indenting them properly.
246 342
247If C<$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
248resulting JSON text is guarenteed not to contain any C<newlines>. 344resulting JSON text is guaranteed not to contain any C<newlines>.
249 345
250This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 346This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
251 347
252=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable]) 348=item $json = $json->space_before ([$enable])
349
350=item $enabled = $json->get_space_before
253 351
254If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra 352If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will add an extra
255optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects. 353optional space before the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects.
256 354
257If C<$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
263Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled: 361Example, space_before enabled, space_after and indent disabled:
264 362
265 {"key" :"value"} 363 {"key" :"value"}
266 364
267=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable]) 365=item $json = $json->space_after ([$enable])
366
367=item $enabled = $json->get_space_after
268 368
269If C<$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
270optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects 370optional space after the C<:> separating keys from values in JSON objects
271and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array 371and extra whitespace after the C<,> separating key-value pairs and array
272members. 372members.
278 378
279Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled: 379Example, space_before and indent disabled, space_after enabled:
280 380
281 {"key": "value"} 381 {"key": "value"}
282 382
383=item $json = $json->relaxed ([$enable])
384
385=item $enabled = $json->get_relaxed
386
387If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<decode> will accept some
388extensions to normal JSON syntax (see below). C<encode> will not be
389affected in anyway. I<Be aware that this option makes you accept invalid
390JSON texts as if they were valid!>. I suggest only to use this option to
391parse application-specific files written by humans (configuration files,
392resource files etc.)
393
394If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<decode> will only accept
395valid JSON texts.
396
397Currently accepted extensions are:
398
399=over 4
400
401=item * list items can have an end-comma
402
403JSON I<separates> array elements and key-value pairs with commas. This
404can be annoying if you write JSON texts manually and want to be able to
405quickly append elements, so this extension accepts comma at the end of
406such items not just between them:
407
408 [
409 1,
410 2, <- this comma not normally allowed
411 ]
412 {
413 "k1": "v1",
414 "k2": "v2", <- this comma not normally allowed
415 }
416
417=item * shell-style '#'-comments
418
419Whenever JSON allows whitespace, shell-style comments are additionally
420allowed. They are terminated by the first carriage-return or line-feed
421character, after which more white-space and comments are allowed.
422
423 [
424 1, # this comment not allowed in JSON
425 # neither this one...
426 ]
427
428=back
429
283=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable]) 430=item $json = $json->canonical ([$enable])
431
432=item $enabled = $json->get_canonical
284 433
285If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects 434If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will output JSON objects
286by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead. 435by sorting their keys. This is adding a comparatively high overhead.
287 436
288If C<$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
289pairs 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
290of the same script). 439of the same script).
291 440
292This 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
293the 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,
294the 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,
295as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl. 444as key-value pairs have no inherent ordering in Perl.
296 445
297This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts. 446This setting has no effect when decoding JSON texts.
298 447
299=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable]) 448=item $json = $json->allow_nonref ([$enable])
449
450=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_nonref
300 451
301If C<$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
302non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value, 453non-reference into its corresponding string, number or null JSON value,
303which 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
304values instead of croaking. 455values instead of croaking.
312resulting in an invalid JSON text: 463resulting in an invalid JSON text:
313 464
314 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!") 465 JSON::XS->new->allow_nonref->encode ("Hello, World!")
315 => "Hello, World!" 466 => "Hello, World!"
316 467
468=item $json = $json->allow_unknown ([$enable])
469
470=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_unknown
471
472If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode> will I<not> throw an
473exception when it encounters values it cannot represent in JSON (for
474example, filehandles) but instead will encode a JSON C<null> value. Note
475that blessed objects are not included here and are handled separately by
476c<allow_nonref>.
477
478If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
479exception when it encounters anything it cannot encode as JSON.
480
481This option does not affect C<decode> in any way, and it is recommended to
482leave it off unless you know your communications partner.
483
317=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable]) 484=item $json = $json->allow_blessed ([$enable])
485
486=item $enabled = $json->get_allow_blessed
318 487
319If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not 488If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then the C<encode> method will not
320barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the 489barf when it encounters a blessed reference. Instead, the value of the
321B<convert_blessed> option will decide wether C<null> (C<convert_blessed> 490B<convert_blessed> option will decide whether C<null> (C<convert_blessed>
322disabled or no C<to_json> method found) or a representation of the 491disabled or no C<TO_JSON> method found) or a representation of the
323object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<to_json> method found) is being 492object (C<convert_blessed> enabled and C<TO_JSON> method found) is being
324encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>. 493encoded. Has no effect on C<decode>.
325 494
326If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an 495If C<$enable> is false (the default), then C<encode> will throw an
327exception when it encounters a blessed object. 496exception when it encounters a blessed object.
328 497
329=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable]) 498=item $json = $json->convert_blessed ([$enable])
499
500=item $enabled = $json->get_convert_blessed
330 501
331If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a 502If C<$enable> is true (or missing), then C<encode>, upon encountering a
332blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method 503blessed object, will check for the availability of the C<TO_JSON> method
333on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context 504on the object's class. If found, it will be called in scalar context
334and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no 505and the resulting scalar will be encoded instead of the object. If no
338The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON> 509The C<TO_JSON> method may safely call die if it wants. If C<TO_JSON>
339returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same 510returns other blessed objects, those will be handled in the same
340way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle 511way. C<TO_JSON> must take care of not causing an endless recursion cycle
341(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other 512(== crash) in this case. The name of C<TO_JSON> was chosen because other
342methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are 513methods called by the Perl core (== not by the user of the object) are
343usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with the C<to_json> 514usually in upper case letters and to avoid collisions with any C<to_json>
344function. 515function or method.
345 516
346This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the 517This setting does not yet influence C<decode> in any way, but in the
347future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are 518future, global hooks might get installed that influence C<decode> and are
348enabled by this setting. 519enabled by this setting.
349 520
350If C<$enable> is false, then the C<allow_blessed> setting will decide what 521If C<$enable> is false, then the C<allow_blessed> setting will decide what
351to do when a blessed object is found. 522to do when a blessed object is found.
352 523
524=item $json = $json->filter_json_object ([$coderef->($hashref)])
525
526When C<$coderef> is specified, it will be called from C<decode> each
527time it decodes a JSON object. The only argument is a reference to the
528newly-created hash. If the code references returns a single scalar (which
529need not be a reference), this value (i.e. a copy of that scalar to avoid
530aliasing) is inserted into the deserialised data structure. If it returns
531an empty list (NOTE: I<not> C<undef>, which is a valid scalar), the
532original deserialised hash will be inserted. This setting can slow down
533decoding considerably.
534
535When C<$coderef> is omitted or undefined, any existing callback will
536be removed and C<decode> will not change the deserialised hash in any
537way.
538
539Example, convert all JSON objects into the integer 5:
540
541 my $js = JSON::XS->new->filter_json_object (sub { 5 });
542 # returns [5]
543 $js->decode ('[{}]')
544 # throw an exception because allow_nonref is not enabled
545 # so a lone 5 is not allowed.
546 $js->decode ('{"a":1, "b":2}');
547
548=item $json = $json->filter_json_single_key_object ($key [=> $coderef->($value)])
549
550Works remotely similar to C<filter_json_object>, but is only called for
551JSON objects having a single key named C<$key>.
552
553This C<$coderef> is called before the one specified via
554C<filter_json_object>, if any. It gets passed the single value in the JSON
555object. If it returns a single value, it will be inserted into the data
556structure. If it returns nothing (not even C<undef> but the empty list),
557the callback from C<filter_json_object> will be called next, as if no
558single-key callback were specified.
559
560If C<$coderef> is omitted or undefined, the corresponding callback will be
561disabled. There can only ever be one callback for a given key.
562
563As this callback gets called less often then the C<filter_json_object>
564one, decoding speed will not usually suffer as much. Therefore, single-key
565objects make excellent targets to serialise Perl objects into, especially
566as single-key JSON objects are as close to the type-tagged value concept
567as JSON gets (it's basically an ID/VALUE tuple). Of course, JSON does not
568support this in any way, so you need to make sure your data never looks
569like a serialised Perl hash.
570
571Typical names for the single object key are C<__class_whatever__>, or
572C<$__dollars_are_rarely_used__$> or C<}ugly_brace_placement>, or even
573things like C<__class_md5sum(classname)__>, to reduce the risk of clashing
574with real hashes.
575
576Example, decode JSON objects of the form C<< { "__widget__" => <id> } >>
577into the corresponding C<< $WIDGET{<id>} >> object:
578
579 # return whatever is in $WIDGET{5}:
580 JSON::XS
581 ->new
582 ->filter_json_single_key_object (__widget__ => sub {
583 $WIDGET{ $_[0] }
584 })
585 ->decode ('{"__widget__": 5')
586
587 # this can be used with a TO_JSON method in some "widget" class
588 # for serialisation to json:
589 sub WidgetBase::TO_JSON {
590 my ($self) = @_;
591
592 unless ($self->{id}) {
593 $self->{id} = ..get..some..id..;
594 $WIDGET{$self->{id}} = $self;
595 }
596
597 { __widget__ => $self->{id} }
598 }
599
353=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable]) 600=item $json = $json->shrink ([$enable])
601
602=item $enabled = $json->get_shrink
354 603
355Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for 604Perl usually over-allocates memory a bit when allocating space for
356strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either 605strings. This flag optionally resizes strings generated by either
357C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save 606C<encode> or C<decode> to their minimum size possible. This can save
358memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many 607memory when your JSON texts are either very very long or you have many
376strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats 625strings that look like integers or floats into integers or floats
377internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space. 626internally (there is no difference on the Perl level), saving space.
378 627
379=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 628=item $json = $json->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
380 629
630=item $max_depth = $json->get_max_depth
631
381Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding 632Sets the maximum nesting level (default C<512>) accepted while encoding
382or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or 633or decoding. If the JSON text or Perl data structure has an equal or
383higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will 634higher nesting level then this limit, then the encoder and decoder will
384stop and croak at that point. 635stop and croak at that point.
385 636
396used, which is rarely useful. 647used, which is rarely useful.
397 648
398See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful. 649See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is useful.
399 650
400=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 651=item $json = $json->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
652
653=item $max_size = $json->get_max_size
401 654
402Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is 655Set the maximum length a JSON text may have (in bytes) where decoding is
403being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode> 656being attempted. The default is C<0>, meaning no limit. When C<decode>
404is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not 657is called on a string longer then this number of characters it will not
405attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no 658attempt to decode the string but throw an exception. This setting has no
444 => ([], 3) 697 => ([], 3)
445 698
446=back 699=back
447 700
448 701
702=head1 INCREMENTAL PARSING
703
704[This section and the API it details is still EXPERIMENTAL]
705
706In some cases, there is the need for incremental parsing of JSON
707texts. While this module always has to keep both JSON text and resulting
708Perl data structure in memory at one time, it does allow you to parse a
709JSON stream incrementally. It does so by accumulating text until it has
710a full JSON object, which it then can decode. This process is similar to
711using C<decode_prefix> to see if a full JSON object is available, but is
712much more efficient (JSON::XS will only attempt to parse the JSON text
713once it is sure it has enough text to get a decisive result, using a very
714simple but truly incremental parser).
715
716The following two methods deal with this.
717
718=over 4
719
720=item [void, scalar or list context] = $json->incr_parse ([$string])
721
722This is the central parsing function. It can both append new text and
723extract objects from the stream accumulated so far (both of these
724functions are optional).
725
726If C<$string> is given, then this string is appended to the already
727existing JSON fragment stored in the C<$json> object.
728
729After that, if the function is called in void context, it will simply
730return without doing anything further. This can be used to add more text
731in as many chunks as you want.
732
733If the method is called in scalar context, then it will try to extract
734exactly I<one> JSON object. If that is successful, it will return this
735object, otherwise it will return C<undef>. If there is a parse error,
736this method will croak just as C<decode> would do (one can then use
737C<incr_skip> to skip the errornous part). This is the most common way of
738using the method.
739
740And finally, in list context, it will try to extract as many objects
741from the stream as it can find and return them, or the empty list
742otherwise. For this to work, there must be no separators between the JSON
743objects or arrays, instead they must be concatenated back-to-back. If
744an error occurs, an exception will be raised as in the scalar context
745case. Note that in this case, any previously-parsed JSON texts will be
746lost.
747
748=item $lvalue_string = $json->incr_text
749
750This method returns the currently stored JSON fragment as an lvalue, that
751is, you can manipulate it. This I<only> works when a preceding call to
752C<incr_parse> in I<scalar context> successfully returned an object. Under
753all other circumstances you must not call this function (I mean it.
754although in simple tests it might actually work, it I<will> fail under
755real world conditions). As a special exception, you can also call this
756method before having parsed anything.
757
758This function is useful in two cases: a) finding the trailing text after a
759JSON object or b) parsing multiple JSON objects separated by non-JSON text
760(such as commas).
761
762=item $json->incr_skip
763
764This will reset the state of the incremental parser and will remove the
765parsed text from the input buffer. This is useful after C<incr_parse>
766died, in which case the input buffer and incremental parser state is left
767unchanged, to skip the text parsed so far and to reset the parse state.
768
769=back
770
771=head2 LIMITATIONS
772
773All options that affect decoding are supported, except
774C<allow_nonref>. The reason for this is that it cannot be made to
775work sensibly: JSON objects and arrays are self-delimited, i.e. you can concatenate
776them back to back and still decode them perfectly. This does not hold true
777for JSON numbers, however.
778
779For example, is the string C<1> a single JSON number, or is it simply the
780start of C<12>? Or is C<12> a single JSON number, or the concatenation
781of C<1> and C<2>? In neither case you can tell, and this is why JSON::XS
782takes the conservative route and disallows this case.
783
784=head2 EXAMPLES
785
786Some examples will make all this clearer. First, a simple example that
787works similarly to C<decode_prefix>: We want to decode the JSON object at
788the start of a string and identify the portion after the JSON object:
789
790 my $text = "[1,2,3] hello";
791
792 my $json = new JSON::XS;
793
794 my $obj = $json->incr_parse ($text)
795 or die "expected JSON object or array at beginning of string";
796
797 my $tail = $json->incr_text;
798 # $tail now contains " hello"
799
800Easy, isn't it?
801
802Now for a more complicated example: Imagine a hypothetical protocol where
803you read some requests from a TCP stream, and each request is a JSON
804array, without any separation between them (in fact, it is often useful to
805use newlines as "separators", as these get interpreted as whitespace at
806the start of the JSON text, which makes it possible to test said protocol
807with C<telnet>...).
808
809Here is how you'd do it (it is trivial to write this in an event-based
810manner):
811
812 my $json = new JSON::XS;
813
814 # read some data from the socket
815 while (sysread $socket, my $buf, 4096) {
816
817 # split and decode as many requests as possible
818 for my $request ($json->incr_parse ($buf)) {
819 # act on the $request
820 }
821 }
822
823Another complicated example: Assume you have a string with JSON objects
824or arrays, all separated by (optional) comma characters (e.g. C<[1],[2],
825[3]>). To parse them, we have to skip the commas between the JSON texts,
826and here is where the lvalue-ness of C<incr_text> comes in useful:
827
828 my $text = "[1],[2], [3]";
829 my $json = new JSON::XS;
830
831 # void context, so no parsing done
832 $json->incr_parse ($text);
833
834 # now extract as many objects as possible. note the
835 # use of scalar context so incr_text can be called.
836 while (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
837 # do something with $obj
838
839 # now skip the optional comma
840 $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* , //x;
841 }
842
843Now lets go for a very complex example: Assume that you have a gigantic
844JSON array-of-objects, many gigabytes in size, and you want to parse it,
845but you cannot load it into memory fully (this has actually happened in
846the real world :).
847
848Well, you lost, you have to implement your own JSON parser. But JSON::XS
849can still help you: You implement a (very simple) array parser and let
850JSON decode the array elements, which are all full JSON objects on their
851own (this wouldn't work if the array elements could be JSON numbers, for
852example):
853
854 my $json = new JSON::XS;
855
856 # open the monster
857 open my $fh, "<bigfile.json"
858 or die "bigfile: $!";
859
860 # first parse the initial "["
861 for (;;) {
862 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
863 or die "read error: $!";
864 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
865
866 # Exit the loop once we found and removed(!) the initial "[".
867 # In essence, we are (ab-)using the $json object as a simple scalar
868 # we append data to.
869 last if $json->incr_text =~ s/^ \s* \[ //x;
870 }
871
872 # now we have the skipped the initial "[", so continue
873 # parsing all the elements.
874 for (;;) {
875 # in this loop we read data until we got a single JSON object
876 for (;;) {
877 if (my $obj = $json->incr_parse) {
878 # do something with $obj
879 last;
880 }
881
882 # add more data
883 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
884 or die "read error: $!";
885 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
886 }
887
888 # in this loop we read data until we either found and parsed the
889 # separating "," between elements, or the final "]"
890 for (;;) {
891 # first skip whitespace
892 $json->incr_text =~ s/^\s*//;
893
894 # if we find "]", we are done
895 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^\]//) {
896 print "finished.\n";
897 exit;
898 }
899
900 # if we find ",", we can continue with the next element
901 if ($json->incr_text =~ s/^,//) {
902 last;
903 }
904
905 # if we find anything else, we have a parse error!
906 if (length $json->incr_text) {
907 die "parse error near ", $json->incr_text;
908 }
909
910 # else add more data
911 sysread $fh, my $buf, 65536
912 or die "read error: $!";
913 $json->incr_parse ($buf); # void context, so no parsing
914 }
915
916This is a complex example, but most of the complexity comes from the fact
917that we are trying to be correct (bear with me if I am wrong, I never ran
918the above example :).
919
920
921
449=head1 MAPPING 922=head1 MAPPING
450 923
451This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and 924This section describes how JSON::XS maps Perl values to JSON values and
452vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 925vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
453circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 926circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
454(what you put in comes out as something equivalent). 927(what you put in comes out as something equivalent).
455 928
456For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions, 929For the more enlightened: note that in the following descriptions,
457lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppcercase I<Perl> 930lowercase I<perl> refers to the Perl interpreter, while uppercase I<Perl>
458refers to the abstract Perl language itself. 931refers to the abstract Perl language itself.
459 932
460 933
461=head2 JSON -> PERL 934=head2 JSON -> PERL
462 935
463=over 4 936=over 4
464 937
465=item object 938=item object
466 939
467A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object 940A JSON object becomes a reference to a hash in Perl. No ordering of object
468keys is preserved (JSON does not preserver object key ordering itself). 941keys is preserved (JSON does not preserve object key ordering itself).
469 942
470=item array 943=item array
471 944
472A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl. 945A JSON array becomes a reference to an array in Perl.
473 946
477are represented by the same codepoints in the Perl string, so no manual 950are represented by the same codepoints in the Perl string, so no manual
478decoding is necessary. 951decoding is necessary.
479 952
480=item number 953=item number
481 954
482A JSON number becomes either an integer or numeric (floating point) 955A JSON number becomes either an integer, numeric (floating point) or
483scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On the 956string scalar in perl, depending on its range and any fractional parts. On
484Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all the 957the Perl level, there is no difference between those as Perl handles all
485conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and might 958the conversion details, but an integer may take slightly less memory and
486represent more values exactly than (floating point) numbers. 959might represent more values exactly than floating point numbers.
960
961If the number consists of digits only, JSON::XS will try to represent
962it as an integer value. If that fails, it will try to represent it as
963a numeric (floating point) value if that is possible without loss of
964precision. Otherwise it will preserve the number as a string value (in
965which case you lose roundtripping ability, as the JSON number will be
966re-encoded toa JSON string).
967
968Numbers containing a fractional or exponential part will always be
969represented as numeric (floating point) values, possibly at a loss of
970precision (in which case you might lose perfect roundtripping ability, but
971the JSON number will still be re-encoded as a JSON number).
487 972
488=item true, false 973=item true, false
489 974
490These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>, 975These JSON atoms become C<JSON::XS::true> and C<JSON::XS::false>,
491respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers 976respectively. They are overloaded to act almost exactly like the numbers
492C<1> and C<0>. You can check wether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using 977C<1> and C<0>. You can check whether a scalar is a JSON boolean by using
493the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function. 978the C<JSON::XS::is_bool> function.
494 979
495=item null 980=item null
496 981
497A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl. 982A JSON null atom becomes C<undef> in Perl.
528Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an 1013Other unblessed references are generally not allowed and will cause an
529exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and 1014exception to be thrown, except for references to the integers C<0> and
530C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can 1015C<1>, which get turned into C<false> and C<true> atoms in JSON. You can
531also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability. 1016also use C<JSON::XS::false> and C<JSON::XS::true> to improve readability.
532 1017
533 to_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true] 1018 encode_json [\0,JSON::XS::true] # yields [false,true]
534 1019
535=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false 1020=item JSON::XS::true, JSON::XS::false
536 1021
537These special values become JSON true and JSON false values, 1022These special values become JSON true and JSON false values,
538respectively. You cna alos use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want. 1023respectively. You can also use C<\1> and C<\0> directly if you want.
539 1024
540=item blessed objects 1025=item blessed objects
541 1026
542Blessed objects are not allowed. JSON::XS currently tries to encode their 1027Blessed objects are not directly representable in JSON. See the
543underlying representation (hash- or arrayref), but this behaviour might 1028C<allow_blessed> and C<convert_blessed> methods on various options on
544change in future versions. 1029how to deal with this: basically, you can choose between throwing an
1030exception, encoding the reference as if it weren't blessed, or provide
1031your own serialiser method.
545 1032
546=item simple scalars 1033=item simple scalars
547 1034
548Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most 1035Simple Perl scalars (any scalar that is not a reference) are the most
549difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as 1036difficult objects to encode: JSON::XS will encode undefined scalars as
550JSON null value, scalars that have last been used in a string context 1037JSON C<null> values, scalars that have last been used in a string context
551before encoding as JSON strings and anything else as number value: 1038before encoding as JSON strings, and anything else as number value:
552 1039
553 # dump as number 1040 # dump as number
554 to_json [2] # yields [2] 1041 encode_json [2] # yields [2]
555 to_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17] 1042 encode_json [-3.0e17] # yields [-3e+17]
556 my $value = 5; to_json [$value] # yields [5] 1043 my $value = 5; encode_json [$value] # yields [5]
557 1044
558 # used as string, so dump as string 1045 # used as string, so dump as string
559 print $value; 1046 print $value;
560 to_json [$value] # yields ["5"] 1047 encode_json [$value] # yields ["5"]
561 1048
562 # undef becomes null 1049 # undef becomes null
563 to_json [undef] # yields [null] 1050 encode_json [undef] # yields [null]
564 1051
565You can force the type to be a string by stringifying it: 1052You can force the type to be a JSON string by stringifying it:
566 1053
567 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 1054 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
568 "$x"; # stringified 1055 "$x"; # stringified
569 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 1056 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
570 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 1057 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
571 1058
572You can force the type to be a number by numifying it: 1059You can force the type to be a JSON number by numifying it:
573 1060
574 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 1061 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
575 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 1062 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
576 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choise is yours. 1063 $x *= 1; # same thing, the choice is yours.
577 1064
578You can not currently output JSON booleans or force the type in other, 1065You can not currently force the type in other, less obscure, ways. Tell me
579less obscure, ways. Tell me if you need this capability. 1066if you need this capability (but don't forget to explain why it's needed
1067:).
580 1068
581=back 1069=back
582 1070
583 1071
584=head1 COMPARISON 1072=head1 ENCODING/CODESET FLAG NOTES
585 1073
586As already mentioned, this module was created because none of the existing 1074The interested reader might have seen a number of flags that signify
587JSON modules could be made to work correctly. First I will describe the 1075encodings or codesets - C<utf8>, C<latin1> and C<ascii>. There seems to be
588problems (or pleasures) I encountered with various existing JSON modules, 1076some confusion on what these do, so here is a short comparison:
589followed by some benchmark values. JSON::XS was designed not to suffer 1077
590from any of these problems or limitations. 1078C<utf8> controls whether the JSON text created by C<encode> (and expected
1079by C<decode>) is UTF-8 encoded or not, while C<latin1> and C<ascii> only
1080control whether C<encode> escapes character values outside their respective
1081codeset range. Neither of these flags conflict with each other, although
1082some combinations make less sense than others.
1083
1084Care has been taken to make all flags symmetrical with respect to
1085C<encode> and C<decode>, that is, texts encoded with any combination of
1086these flag values will be correctly decoded when the same flags are used
1087- in general, if you use different flag settings while encoding vs. when
1088decoding you likely have a bug somewhere.
1089
1090Below comes a verbose discussion of these flags. Note that a "codeset" is
1091simply an abstract set of character-codepoint pairs, while an encoding
1092takes those codepoint numbers and I<encodes> them, in our case into
1093octets. Unicode is (among other things) a codeset, UTF-8 is an encoding,
1094and ISO-8859-1 (= latin 1) and ASCII are both codesets I<and> encodings at
1095the same time, which can be confusing.
591 1096
592=over 4 1097=over 4
593 1098
594=item JSON 1.07 1099=item C<utf8> flag disabled
595 1100
596Slow (but very portable, as it is written in pure Perl). 1101When C<utf8> is disabled (the default), then C<encode>/C<decode> generate
1102and expect Unicode strings, that is, characters with high ordinal Unicode
1103values (> 255) will be encoded as such characters, and likewise such
1104characters are decoded as-is, no canges to them will be done, except
1105"(re-)interpreting" them as Unicode codepoints or Unicode characters,
1106respectively (to Perl, these are the same thing in strings unless you do
1107funny/weird/dumb stuff).
597 1108
598Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling (how JSON handles unicode values is 1109This is useful when you want to do the encoding yourself (e.g. when you
599undocumented. One can get far by feeding it unicode strings and doing 1110want to have UTF-16 encoded JSON texts) or when some other layer does
600en-/decoding oneself, but unicode escapes are not working properly). 1111the encoding for you (for example, when printing to a terminal using a
1112filehandle that transparently encodes to UTF-8 you certainly do NOT want
1113to UTF-8 encode your data first and have Perl encode it another time).
601 1114
602No roundtripping (strings get clobbered if they look like numbers, e.g. 1115=item C<utf8> flag enabled
603the string C<2.0> will encode to C<2.0> instead of C<"2.0">, and that will
604decode into the number 2.
605 1116
606=item JSON::PC 0.01 1117If the C<utf8>-flag is enabled, C<encode>/C<decode> will encode all
1118characters using the corresponding UTF-8 multi-byte sequence, and will
1119expect your input strings to be encoded as UTF-8, that is, no "character"
1120of the input string must have any value > 255, as UTF-8 does not allow
1121that.
607 1122
608Very fast. 1123The C<utf8> flag therefore switches between two modes: disabled means you
1124will get a Unicode string in Perl, enabled means you get an UTF-8 encoded
1125octet/binary string in Perl.
609 1126
610Undocumented/buggy Unicode handling. 1127=item C<latin1> or C<ascii> flags enabled
611 1128
612No roundtripping. 1129With C<latin1> (or C<ascii>) enabled, C<encode> will escape characters
1130with ordinal values > 255 (> 127 with C<ascii>) and encode the remaining
1131characters as specified by the C<utf8> flag.
613 1132
614Has problems handling many Perl values (e.g. regex results and other magic 1133If C<utf8> is disabled, then the result is also correctly encoded in those
615values will make it croak). 1134character sets (as both are proper subsets of Unicode, meaning that a
1135Unicode string with all character values < 256 is the same thing as a
1136ISO-8859-1 string, and a Unicode string with all character values < 128 is
1137the same thing as an ASCII string in Perl).
616 1138
617Does not even generate valid JSON (C<{1,2}> gets converted to C<{1:2}> 1139If C<utf8> is enabled, you still get a correct UTF-8-encoded string,
618which is not a valid JSON text. 1140regardless of these flags, just some more characters will be escaped using
1141C<\uXXXX> then before.
619 1142
620Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not 1143Note that ISO-8859-1-I<encoded> strings are not compatible with UTF-8
621getting fixed). 1144encoding, while ASCII-encoded strings are. That is because the ISO-8859-1
1145encoding is NOT a subset of UTF-8 (despite the ISO-8859-1 I<codeset> being
1146a subset of Unicode), while ASCII is.
622 1147
623=item JSON::Syck 0.21 1148Surprisingly, C<decode> will ignore these flags and so treat all input
1149values as governed by the C<utf8> flag. If it is disabled, this allows you
1150to decode ISO-8859-1- and ASCII-encoded strings, as both strict subsets of
1151Unicode. If it is enabled, you can correctly decode UTF-8 encoded strings.
624 1152
625Very buggy (often crashes). 1153So neither C<latin1> nor C<ascii> are incompatible with the C<utf8> flag -
1154they only govern when the JSON output engine escapes a character or not.
626 1155
627Very inflexible (no human-readable format supported, format pretty much 1156The main use for C<latin1> is to relatively efficiently store binary data
628undocumented. I need at least a format for easy reading by humans and a 1157as JSON, at the expense of breaking compatibility with most JSON decoders.
629single-line compact format for use in a protocol, and preferably a way to
630generate ASCII-only JSON texts).
631 1158
632Completely broken (and confusingly documented) Unicode handling (unicode 1159The main use for C<ascii> is to force the output to not contain characters
633escapes are not working properly, you need to set ImplicitUnicode to 1160with values > 127, which means you can interpret the resulting string
634I<different> values on en- and decoding to get symmetric behaviour). 1161as UTF-8, ISO-8859-1, ASCII, KOI8-R or most about any character set and
635 11628-bit-encoding, and still get the same data structure back. This is useful
636No roundtripping (simple cases work, but this depends on wether the scalar 1163when your channel for JSON transfer is not 8-bit clean or the encoding
637value was used in a numeric context or not). 1164might be mangled in between (e.g. in mail), and works because ASCII is a
638 1165proper subset of most 8-bit and multibyte encodings in use in the world.
639Dumping hashes may skip hash values depending on iterator state.
640
641Unmaintained (maintainer unresponsive for many months, bugs are not
642getting fixed).
643
644Does not check input for validity (i.e. will accept non-JSON input and
645return "something" instead of raising an exception. This is a security
646issue: imagine two banks transfering money between each other using
647JSON. One bank might parse a given non-JSON request and deduct money,
648while the other might reject the transaction with a syntax error. While a
649good protocol will at least recover, that is extra unnecessary work and
650the transaction will still not succeed).
651
652=item JSON::DWIW 0.04
653
654Very fast. Very natural. Very nice.
655
656Undocumented unicode handling (but the best of the pack. Unicode escapes
657still don't get parsed properly).
658
659Very inflexible.
660
661No roundtripping.
662
663Does not generate valid JSON texts (key strings are often unquoted, empty keys
664result in nothing being output)
665
666Does not check input for validity.
667 1166
668=back 1167=back
669 1168
670 1169
671=head2 JSON and YAML 1170=head2 JSON and YAML
672 1171
673You often hear that JSON is a subset (or a close subset) of YAML. This is, 1172You often hear that JSON is a subset of YAML. This is, however, a mass
674however, a mass hysteria and very far from the truth. In general, there is 1173hysteria(*) and very far from the truth (as of the time of this writing),
675no way to configure JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML. 1174so let me state it clearly: I<in general, there is no way to configure
1175JSON::XS to output a data structure as valid YAML> that works in all
1176cases.
676 1177
677If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this 1178If you really must use JSON::XS to generate YAML, you should use this
678algorithm (subject to change in future versions): 1179algorithm (subject to change in future versions):
679 1180
680 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1); 1181 my $to_yaml = JSON::XS->new->utf8->space_after (1);
681 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n"; 1182 my $yaml = $to_yaml->encode ($ref) . "\n";
682 1183
683This will usually generate JSON texts that also parse as valid 1184This will I<usually> generate JSON texts that also parse as valid
684YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key 1185YAML. Please note that YAML has hardcoded limits on (simple) object key
685lengths that JSON doesn't have, so you should make sure that your hash 1186lengths that JSON doesn't have and also has different and incompatible
1187unicode handling, so you should make sure that your hash keys are
686keys are noticably shorter than the 1024 characters YAML allows. 1188noticeably shorter than the 1024 "stream characters" YAML allows and that
1189you do not have characters with codepoint values outside the Unicode BMP
1190(basic multilingual page). YAML also does not allow C<\/> sequences in
1191strings (which JSON::XS does not I<currently> generate, but other JSON
1192generators might).
687 1193
688There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of. In general 1194There might be other incompatibilities that I am not aware of (or the YAML
1195specification has been changed yet again - it does so quite often). In
689you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice versa, 1196general you should not try to generate YAML with a JSON generator or vice
690or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are high 1197versa, or try to parse JSON with a YAML parser or vice versa: chances are
691that you will run into severe interoperability problems. 1198high that you will run into severe interoperability problems when you
1199least expect it.
1200
1201=over 4
1202
1203=item (*)
1204
1205I have been pressured multiple times by Brian Ingerson (one of the
1206authors of the YAML specification) to remove this paragraph, despite him
1207acknowledging that the actual incompatibilities exist. As I was personally
1208bitten by this "JSON is YAML" lie, I refused and said I will continue to
1209educate people about these issues, so others do not run into the same
1210problem again and again. After this, Brian called me a (quote)I<complete
1211and worthless idiot>(unquote).
1212
1213In my opinion, instead of pressuring and insulting people who actually
1214clarify issues with YAML and the wrong statements of some of its
1215proponents, I would kindly suggest reading the JSON spec (which is not
1216that difficult or long) and finally make YAML compatible to it, and
1217educating users about the changes, instead of spreading lies about the
1218real compatibility for many I<years> and trying to silence people who
1219point out that it isn't true.
1220
1221=back
692 1222
693 1223
694=head2 SPEED 1224=head2 SPEED
695 1225
696It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following 1226It seems that JSON::XS is surprisingly fast, as shown in the following
697tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program 1227tables. They have been generated with the help of the C<eg/bench> program
698in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own 1228in the JSON::XS distribution, to make it easy to compare on your own
699system. 1229system.
700 1230
701First comes a comparison between various modules using a very short 1231First comes a comparison between various modules using
702single-line JSON string: 1232a very short single-line JSON string (also available at
1233L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/short.json>).
703 1234
704 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1", "we were just talking"], \ 1235 {"method": "handleMessage", "params": ["user1", "we were just talking"], \
705 "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7, true, false]} 1236 "id": null, "array":[1,11,234,-5,1e5,1e7, true, false]}
706 1237
707It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses 1238It shows the number of encodes/decodes per second (JSON::XS uses
708the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface 1239the functional interface, while JSON::XS/2 uses the OO interface
709with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables 1240with pretty-printing and hashkey sorting enabled, JSON::XS/3 enables
710shrink). Higher is better: 1241shrink). Higher is better:
711 1242
712 Storable | 15779.925 | 14169.946 |
713 -----------+------------+------------+
714 module | encode | decode | 1243 module | encode | decode |
715 -----------|------------|------------| 1244 -----------|------------|------------|
716 JSON | 4990.842 | 4088.813 | 1245 JSON 1.x | 4990.842 | 4088.813 |
717 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 | 1246 JSON::DWIW | 51653.990 | 71575.154 |
718 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 | 1247 JSON::PC | 65948.176 | 74631.744 |
719 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 | 1248 JSON::PP | 8931.652 | 3817.168 |
720 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 | 1249 JSON::Syck | 24877.248 | 27776.848 |
721 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 | 1250 JSON::XS | 388361.481 | 227951.304 |
723 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 | 1252 JSON::XS/3 | 338250.323 | 218453.333 |
724 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 | 1253 Storable | 16500.016 | 135300.129 |
725 -----------+------------+------------+ 1254 -----------+------------+------------+
726 1255
727That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding, 1256That is, JSON::XS is about five times faster than JSON::DWIW on encoding,
728about three times faster on decoding, and over fourty times faster 1257about three times faster on decoding, and over forty times faster
729than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares 1258than JSON, even with pretty-printing and key sorting. It also compares
730favourably to Storable for small amounts of data. 1259favourably to Storable for small amounts of data.
731 1260
732Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals 1261Using a longer test string (roughly 18KB, generated from Yahoo! Locals
733search API (http://nanoref.com/yahooapis/mgPdGg): 1262search API (L<http://dist.schmorp.de/misc/json/long.json>).
734 1263
735 module | encode | decode | 1264 module | encode | decode |
736 -----------|------------|------------| 1265 -----------|------------|------------|
737 JSON | 55.260 | 34.971 | 1266 JSON 1.x | 55.260 | 34.971 |
738 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 | 1267 JSON::DWIW | 825.228 | 1082.513 |
739 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 | 1268 JSON::PC | 3571.444 | 2394.829 |
740 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 | 1269 JSON::PP | 210.987 | 32.574 |
741 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 | 1270 JSON::Syck | 552.551 | 787.544 |
742 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 | 1271 JSON::XS | 5780.463 | 4854.519 |
746 -----------+------------+------------+ 1275 -----------+------------+------------+
747 1276
748Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly 1277Again, JSON::XS leads by far (except for Storable which non-surprisingly
749decodes faster). 1278decodes faster).
750 1279
751On large strings containing lots of high unicode characters, some modules 1280On large strings containing lots of high Unicode characters, some modules
752(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result 1281(such as JSON::PC) seem to decode faster than JSON::XS, but the result
753will be broken due to missing (or wrong) unicode handling. Others refuse 1282will be broken due to missing (or wrong) Unicode handling. Others refuse
754to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair 1283to decode or encode properly, so it was impossible to prepare a fair
755comparison table for that case. 1284comparison table for that case.
756 1285
757 1286
758=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 1287=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
764any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am 1293any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and I am
765trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 1294trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
766 1295
767Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should 1296Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
768limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your 1297limit the size of JSON texts you accept, or make sure then when your
769resources run out, thats just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that 1298resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate process that
770can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is 1299can crash safely). The size of a JSON text in octets or characters is
771usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode 1300usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to decode
772it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON 1301it into a Perl structure. While JSON::XS can check the size of the JSON
773text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you 1302text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, so you
774might want to check the size before you accept the string. 1303might want to check the size before you accept the string.
775 1304
776Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 1305Third, JSON::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
777arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64 1306arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64
778machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but 1307machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays but
779only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak 1308only 14k nested JSON objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on croak
780to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. to be 1309to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. To be
781conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process 1310conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your process
782has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the 1311has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly with the
783C<max_depth> method. 1312C<max_depth> method.
784 1313
785And last but least, something else could bomb you that I forgot to think 1314Something else could bomb you, too, that I forgot to think of. In that
786of. In that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, 1315case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, though...
787though... 1316
1317Also keep in mind that JSON::XS might leak contents of your Perl data
1318structures in its error messages, so when you serialise sensitive
1319information you might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by JSON::XS
1320will not end up in front of untrusted eyes.
788 1321
789If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption 1322If you are using JSON::XS to return packets to consumption
790by javascript scripts in a browser you should have a look at 1323by JavaScript scripts in a browser you should have a look at
791L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see wether 1324L<http://jpsykes.com/47/practical-csrf-and-json-security> to see whether
792you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser 1325you are vulnerable to some common attack vectors (which really are browser
793design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major 1326design bugs, but it is still you who will have to deal with it, as major
794browser developers care only for features, not about doing security 1327browser developers care only for features, not about getting security
795right). 1328right).
796 1329
797 1330
1331=head1 THREADS
1332
1333This module is I<not> guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no
1334plans to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the
1335horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated
1336process simulations - use fork, it's I<much> faster, cheaper, better).
1337
1338(It might actually work, but you have been warned).
1339
1340
798=head1 BUGS 1341=head1 BUGS
799 1342
800While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does 1343While the goal of this module is to be correct, that unfortunately does
801not mean its bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is 1344not mean it's bug-free, only that I think its design is bug-free. It is
802still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they 1345still relatively early in its development. If you keep reporting bugs they
803will be fixed swiftly, though. 1346will be fixed swiftly, though.
1347
1348Please refrain from using rt.cpan.org or any other bug reporting
1349service. I put the contact address into my modules for a reason.
804 1350
805=cut 1351=cut
806 1352
807our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1353our $true = do { bless \(my $dummy = 1), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };
808our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" }; 1354our $false = do { bless \(my $dummy = 0), "JSON::XS::Boolean" };
825 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 }, 1371 "--" => sub { $_[0] = ${$_[0]} - 1 },
826 fallback => 1; 1372 fallback => 1;
827 1373
8281; 13741;
829 1375
1376=head1 SEE ALSO
1377
1378The F<json_xs> command line utility for quick experiments.
1379
830=head1 AUTHOR 1380=head1 AUTHOR
831 1381
832 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1382 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
833 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1383 http://home.schmorp.de/
834 1384

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