Which is Better Safe JSON Stringification Libraries?
json-stringify-safe vs fast-safe-stringify vs safe-json-stringify
1 Year
json-stringify-safefast-safe-stringifysafe-json-stringifySimilar Packages:
What's Safe JSON Stringification Libraries?

These libraries provide safe alternatives for converting JavaScript objects into JSON strings, specifically designed to handle circular references and prevent errors during the serialization process. They ensure that the stringification of complex objects does not lead to runtime exceptions, making them essential for applications that deal with nested or cyclic data structures. Each library has its own approach and performance characteristics, catering to different use cases and developer preferences.

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json-stringify-safe22,310,081550-79 years agoISC
fast-safe-stringify13,685,389345-93 years agoMIT
safe-json-stringify2,207,03157-36 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: json-stringify-safe vs fast-safe-stringify vs safe-json-stringify

Performance

  • json-stringify-safe: json-stringify-safe is reliable but may not be as fast as fast-safe-stringify. It focuses on safety over speed, making it suitable for applications where performance is not the primary concern, but data integrity is critical.
  • fast-safe-stringify: fast-safe-stringify is designed for high performance, making it one of the fastest options available for safely stringifying objects. It minimizes overhead and optimizes the serialization process, which is crucial for applications that require quick data processing.
  • safe-json-stringify: safe-json-stringify balances performance and safety, providing decent speed while ensuring that circular references are handled appropriately. It is a good middle ground for applications that need both safety and reasonable performance.

Circular Reference Handling

  • json-stringify-safe: json-stringify-safe also handles circular references by replacing them with a placeholder, preventing runtime errors during serialization. This makes it a safe choice for most applications dealing with nested structures.
  • fast-safe-stringify: This library effectively detects and handles circular references, allowing developers to stringify complex objects without running into errors. It uses a unique approach to track references, ensuring that cycles are managed efficiently.
  • safe-json-stringify: safe-json-stringify provides robust handling of circular references, allowing for custom serialization strategies. It can be configured to manage how circular references are represented in the output.

Customization Options

  • json-stringify-safe: json-stringify-safe provides basic customization options, allowing developers to specify how certain data types should be serialized. However, it lacks advanced features that some developers may need.
  • fast-safe-stringify: fast-safe-stringify offers limited customization options, focusing primarily on performance and safety. It is best suited for scenarios where default behavior is acceptable and speed is prioritized.
  • safe-json-stringify: safe-json-stringify excels in customization, offering extensive options for developers to control the serialization process. This includes the ability to define how specific properties are handled, making it ideal for complex serialization requirements.

Ease of Use

  • json-stringify-safe: json-stringify-safe is also user-friendly, with a familiar API that resembles the native JSON.stringify method. It is easy to integrate into existing projects without a steep learning curve.
  • fast-safe-stringify: fast-safe-stringify is straightforward to use, with a simple API that requires minimal configuration. This makes it accessible for developers looking for a quick and efficient solution.
  • safe-json-stringify: safe-json-stringify may require a bit more understanding due to its additional features and customization options. While it is still user-friendly, developers may need to invest some time to fully leverage its capabilities.

Community Support and Maintenance

  • json-stringify-safe: json-stringify-safe has a stable user base and is well-documented, but it may not receive updates as frequently as some newer libraries. It is still a reliable choice for many applications.
  • fast-safe-stringify: fast-safe-stringify is actively maintained and has a growing community, ensuring that it stays up-to-date with the latest JavaScript features and best practices. This is important for long-term projects that require ongoing support.
  • safe-json-stringify: safe-json-stringify benefits from a dedicated community and regular updates, making it a good choice for developers who want a library that evolves with the ecosystem.
How to Choose: json-stringify-safe vs fast-safe-stringify vs safe-json-stringify
  • json-stringify-safe: Opt for json-stringify-safe if you need a straightforward solution that handles circular references without additional performance optimizations. It is a reliable choice for general use cases where the overhead of speed is less of a concern than ensuring safety during stringification.
  • fast-safe-stringify: Choose fast-safe-stringify if performance is a critical factor for your application, as it is optimized for speed while still handling circular references effectively. It is particularly suitable for scenarios where large datasets are common and efficiency is paramount.
  • safe-json-stringify: Select safe-json-stringify if you require a package that offers additional features like custom serialization options and better control over the output format. This library is ideal for developers who need more flexibility in how their objects are serialized.
README for json-stringify-safe

json-stringify-safe

Like JSON.stringify, but doesn't throw on circular references.

Usage

Takes the same arguments as JSON.stringify.

var stringify = require('json-stringify-safe');
var circularObj = {};
circularObj.circularRef = circularObj;
circularObj.list = [ circularObj, circularObj ];
console.log(stringify(circularObj, null, 2));

Output:

{
  "circularRef": "[Circular]",
  "list": [
    "[Circular]",
    "[Circular]"
  ]
}

Details

stringify(obj, serializer, indent, decycler)

The first three arguments are the same as to JSON.stringify. The last is an argument that's only used when the object has been seen already.

The default decycler function returns the string '[Circular]'. If, for example, you pass in function(k,v){} (return nothing) then it will prune cycles. If you pass in function(k,v){ return {foo: 'bar'}}, then cyclical objects will always be represented as {"foo":"bar"} in the result.

stringify.getSerialize(serializer, decycler)

Returns a serializer that can be used elsewhere. This is the actual function that's passed to JSON.stringify.

Note that the function returned from getSerialize is stateful for now, so do not use it more than once.