How to Create a Valid JSON Structure from PSCustomObjects in PowerShell

Learn how to properly initialize a `PSCustomObject` array in PowerShell to create valid JSON structures efficiently.
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Crafting Valid JSON with PSCustomObjects in PowerShell

In the world of automation and scripting, PowerShell is a powerful tool loved by many developers and system administrators. One common scenario when working with PowerShell is the need to create complex objects and convert them into JSON format. A frequent stumbling block arises when dealing with PSCustomObjects. This blog will address a common issue many encounter: How to create a valid JSON structure using PSCustomObjects in PowerShell.

The Problem

Imagine you need to send data to a web API that requires a specific JSON format. When you construct a PSCustomObject in PowerShell, you might expect it to naturally convert to a clean JSON string. Let's take a look at a scenario where this doesn’t work out as planned. Consider the following code snippet:

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

The output you get may look like this:

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

Clearly, this is not the valid JSON structure we desired. We were expecting something more like:

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

The Solution

After some investigation, it turns out the root of the problem wasn't how we were constructing the PSCustomObject, but rather how we were converting it to JSON. PowerShell's ConvertTo-Json cmdlet has a default depth parameter of 2. This means that if you have nested objects that go deeper than this level, they won't serialize as you expect.

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's how to adjust your code to ensure you get the valid JSON format you need:

Increase the Depth Parameter: Modify your ConvertTo-Json command by specifying a Depth parameter to handle your nested data structures effectively.

Updated Code: Here’s the corrected code:

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

Benefits of the Updated Code

Correctly Structured JSON: With the increased depth, the output will now accurately reflect the desired JSON structure.

Improved Clarity: By specifying the depth, your intention is clear, and you make it easier for others reading the code.

Flexibility: You can now easily adapt this solution for more complex objects without worrying about the depth limitations.

Conclusion

Creating valid JSON structures in PowerShell using PSCustomObjects is straightforward once you understand the nuances of serialization depth. By increasing the Depth parameter in the ConvertTo-Json cmdlet, you can achieve the intended results without compromising the integrity of your JSON output. Remember this trick next time you're working with complex objects to save time and avoid frustration.

Whether you're building APIs, working with configurations, or automating tasks, mastering these small details can make a big difference in your PowerShell scripting journey.

Happy scripting!