How to Parse JSON in Swift Using Codable: Accessing Mixed Data Types NumAchievedHardcore

Learn how to parse JSON responses using Swift's Codable system and how to handle mixed types such as `Int` and `String`. Read on for a simple solution to access properties correctly.
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How to Parse JSON in Swift with Codable and Access Mixed Data Types

In today's guide, we're diving into a common challenge that Swift developers often face: parsing JSON responses and accessing properties that can be represented as either Int or String. This scenario often arises when working with APIs that return non-uniform data types, which can lead to confusion and errors if not handled correctly.

The Problem

You might have encountered a situation where you receive a JSON response from an API—like the RetroAchievements API—where certain fields can either be integers or strings. This can create confusion when decoding JSON into Swift structures. Let's take a closer look at the provided JSON example:

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In this example, the field NumAchievedHardcore can be a string like "15" or an integer value. When you decode this JSON into a Swift model, you might end up with outputs that denote the type, such as string("15") or int(0), making it difficult to work with these values directly.

The Solution

To effectively handle mixed data types in Swift, you can employ Swift's powerful Codable protocol along with an enum to encapsulate the potential types. Here's how you can set it up step by step.

Step 1: Define Your Codable Structures

First, we create structures for our JSON response and establish an enum to handle the NumAchievedHardcore property.

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Step 2: Create an Enum for Mixed Types

Next, you'll create an enum to handle both Int and String seamlessly. This enum will help you decode the values appropriately.

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Step 3: Accessing the Value

Now that you have defined your structures, you can create a computed property in your enum to easily access the integer value:

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Step 4: Implementing the Network Request

Finally, implement your network request to fetch data and decode it:

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Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively parse JSON responses and handle properties that can either be integers or strings. Utilizing the Codable protocol alongside custom enums can simplify data handling, ensuring you get the correct types without unnecessary type information cluttering your output.

Now, you should be well-equipped to tackle similar JSON parsing challenges in your Swift projects. Happy coding!