Important: 2.0 is not backwards compatible with the previous versions. Changes in version 2.0 are described below.

This plugin makes it simple to convert to and from JSON:

var thing = {plugin: 'jquery-json', version: 2.2};

var encoded = $.toJSON(thing);              //'{"plugin":"jquery-json","version":2.2}'
var name = $.evalJSON(encoded).plugin;      //"jquery-json"
var version = $.evalJSON(encoded).version;  // 2.2

Most people asked me why I would want to do such a thing, which boggles my mind. Javascript makes it relatively easy to convert from JSON, thanks to eval(), but converting to JSON is supposedly an edge requirement.

This plugin exposes four new functions onto the $, or jQuery object:

• toJSON: Serializes a javascript object, number, string, or arry into JSON.
• evalJSON: Converts from JSON to Javascript, quickly, and is trivial.
• secureEvalJSON: Converts from JSON to Javascript, but does so while checking to see if the source is actually JSON, and not with other Javascript statements thrown in.
• quoteString: Places quotes around a string, and inteligently escapes any quote, backslash, or control characters.

Changes in Version 2.0

• The code has been re-written. It is now easier to read and follow; less of a mish-mash.
• Support for native JSON has been included. This means that if you are using a browser that supports JSON.stringify, it will be used. Also evalJSON and secureEvalJSON will use JSON.parse if available.
• Changes were made in the JSON output to move in line with the JSON object standard. This means 2.0 is not backwards compatible with the previous versions.
• toJSON now renders like compactJSON used to and compactJSON does not exist anymore. As per the JSON object standard, needless spaces are now removed. This makes it less readable; if someone wants to send me a prettyJSON patch, it will be welcome.
• Differences between output when JSON.stringify is available and when it is not could exist. I am unable to test all strings. Be aware when testing your apps.

by Brantley Harris