How to Deserialize JSON Array of Objects into a Single Object in C#

Learn how to efficiently deserialize a JSON array of objects into a single object with properties in C# using Newtonsoft.Json and RestSharp.
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How to Deserialize JSON Array of Objects into a Single Object in C#

When working with APIs in C# , you often encounter JSON data that needs to be converted into usable objects. One common challenge arises when you have a JSON array of objects, and you need to transform it into a single object with specific properties. In this post, we will delve into how to effectively handle such a JSON structure in C# using the Newtonsoft.Json library.

The Problem

You have received a JSON response from an API that includes an array of key-value pairs under a root node called "points." Here's a simplified example of what this JSON might look like:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The goal is to deserialize this data into a single Point object that has the properties of title, category, created, and version instead of maintaining the list structure.

The Solution

Use the Right Library

Although the System.Text.Json library is built-in and often used, it can sometimes complicate tasks like this. We recommend using Newtonsoft.Json, as it simplifies the deserialization process considerably.

Define Your Classes

First, you should define your Point class to hold the deserialized data:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Deserialize the JSON

You can use the following code snippet to parse the JSON data and populate your Point object:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of the Code

Making the API Request: Use RestSharp to create and execute a request to your API endpoint.

Parsing the JSON: Use JObject.Parse to parse the JSON content. This allows you to easily navigate through the JSON structure.

Mapping Values: Iterate through each item in the "points" array. Depending on the name property, set the corresponding property on the Point object.

Handling Values: The values are retrieved and converted to the appropriate types. For example, the created value is transformed from a Unix timestamp to a DateTime object.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effortlessly deserialize a JSON array of objects into a single object with the desired properties in C# . Utilizing the right libraries simplifies the process and reduces the amount of manual data handling you need to perform.

Adopting libraries like Newtonsoft.Json can significantly enhance your workflow when dealing with JSON serialization and deserialization in .NET Framework 4.8.

Feel free to experiment with this solution and adapt it to your specific needs!