How to Properly Convert JSON to C# Object in ASP.NET Core

Описание: Learn how to effectively convert JSON data into C- objects in ASP.NET Core while avoiding common pitfalls, especially when using reserved keywords.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/70800358/ asked by the user 'MARKAND Bhatt' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/988864/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/70800687/ provided by the user 'Serge' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/11392290/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Converting JSON to C- Objects in ASP.NET Core

In the world of application development, one common task developers encounter is converting JSON data into C- objects. This process is crucial, especially when working with web APIs. However, various issues can arise during this conversion, particularly when it comes to property names that conflict with C- reserved keywords. In this guide, we'll explore a specific issue related to JSON deserialization in ASP.NET Core and how to constructively implement a solution.

The Problem

Consider you have a simple C- model representing a student:

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And you have an ASP.NET Core API method designed to accept a Student object:

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The request body that you're trying to deserialize looks like this:

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The issue arises because C- does not permit the straightforward use of reserved keywords like ref, leading to a peculiar inadequacy in the JSON to C- model conversion where stu.-ref always results in 0.

Why the Conversion Fails

In this scenario, the attempt to map the JSON property ref to the C- property -ref using JsonPropertyName did not work as expected. This could be due to the fact that the naming convention utilized might not be properly recognized during deserialization, leading to the value not being assigned correctly.

The Solution

To solve this JSON deserialization issue, you can modify your C- model to avoid using a reserved keyword altogether, making the code cleaner and more maintainable. Here’s a simple refactor:

Updated C- Model

Instead of using -ref, rename the property to something like reference, which is more descriptive and avoids the conflict with reserved keywords:

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Updated API Method

With this updated model, your API method can now correctly receive and process the JSON object:

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Benefits of the Solution

Clarity: The property name reference is clearer in purpose than the ambiguous -ref, improving code readability.

Maintenance: Using non-reserved names helps avoid potential naming conflicts and maintenance headaches in the future.

Functionality: Your application will function as expected, mapping the incoming JSON data directly to the properties of your C- model.

Conclusion

When working with JSON in ASP.NET Core, it’s crucial to choose property names wisely, especially when dealing with reserved keywords. By renaming properties in your C- models, you can avoid complications and ensure proper deserialization. This approach not only yields functionality but also enhances the clarity and maintainability of your code.

By adopting such practices, developers can streamline their workflow and effectively manage JSON data within their applications.