How can I parse JSON with C#?

Question

I have the following code:

var user = (Dictionary<string, object>)serializer.DeserializeObject(responsecontent);

The input in responsecontent is JSON, but it is not properly parsed into an object. How should I properly deserialize it?

Answer 1

I am assuming you are not using Json.NET (Newtonsoft.Json NuGet package). If this the case, then you should try it.

It has the following features:

1. LINQ to JSON
2. The JsonSerializer for quickly converting your .NET objects to JSON and back again
3. Json.NET can optionally produce well formatted, indented JSON for debugging or display
4. Attributes like JsonIgnore and JsonProperty can be added to a class to customize how a class is serialized
5. Ability to convert JSON to and from XML
6. Supports multiple platforms: .NET, Silverlight and the Compact Framework

Look at the example below. In this example, JsonConvert class is used to convert an object to and from JSON. It has two static methods for this purpose. They are SerializeObject(Object obj) and DeserializeObject<T>(String json):

Product product = new Product();
product.Name = "Apple";
product.Expiry = new DateTime(2008, 12, 28);
product.Price = 3.99M;
product.Sizes = new string[] { "Small", "Medium", "Large" };

string json = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(product);
//{
//  "Name": "Apple",
//  "Expiry": "2008-12-28T00:00:00",
//  "Price": 3.99,
//  "Sizes": [
//    "Small",
//    "Medium",
//    "Large"
//  ]
//}

Product deserializedProduct = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Product>(json);