How to Deserialize Nested JSON Arrays with Json.Net

Learn how to effectively deserialize nested JSON arrays in VB.NET using Json.Net, including troubleshooting tips and sample code. Perfect for developers working with complex JSON structures!
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How to Deserialize Nested JSON Arrays with Json.Net

When working with web APIs, you often encounter complex JSON responses. One common challenge developers face is successfully deserializing nested JSON arrays into objects, especially when the structure doesn't quite follow conventional patterns. This guide will walk you through how to handle such scenarios using Json.Net in VB.NET.

The Problem

Imagine you receive a JSON response that looks something like this:

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This JSON is valid, but the way the data is structured can make it tricky to work with. Specifically, you want to retrieve the StatusID and ItemID values but find yourself struggling with deserialization.

You previously used Visual Studio’s "Paste JSON as Classes" feature, but the generated model didn’t capture the structure correctly:

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Additionally, attempting to deserialize it leads to an error:

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Key Objective

To successfully extract the StatusID and ItemID from this nested JSON array.

The Solution

Step 1: Understanding the JSON Structure

The JSON is a mixture of strings and arrays. The BeginOfEnumerable and EndOfEnumerable strings don't follow the typical name:value structure, and you want to focus on the array encapsulated between them.

Step 2: Creating the VB.NET Model

To properly deserialize the inner array, first, you need a class to represent the data:

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Step 3: Deserialize the JSON Content

You can parse the response and extract the inner array while deserializing it into a list of your EnumObject class:

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This snippet will give you a list of EnumObject instances, allowing you to easily access StatusID and ItemID.

Step 4: Retrieving Just the Array as JSON

If you prefer to keep the JSON representation of the encapsulated values, you can do so with this line:

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Step 5: Advanced Deserialization with Custom JsonConverter

If your goal is to maintain the original structure while allowing for both deserialization and serialization, consider implementing a custom JsonConverter. Below is a brief outline of how this is set up.

Define a Structure for the deserialized data:

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Create the Converter:

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Use the Handler Class for serialization and deserialization:

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Conclusion

Deserializing nested JSON arrays can initially seem daunting, especially when faced with unexpected structures. However, by breaking down the process into manageable steps and leveraging the power of Json.Net, you can efficiently handle complex JSON responses.

Now you have the tools to confidently extract values from nested JSON arrays in VB.NET. Happy coding!