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Deserialize JSON to list with unknown object name in C#

I want to deserialize following JSON.
The problem is that the objects "ANDE" & "DAR" can change.
Means the objects are unknown and change depending on the JSON i wanna deserialize.
About 8000 different objects (ANDE, DAR, ...) need to be deserialized.
{"ANDE":
{"chart":[
{"date":"20180914","minute":"09:30"},{"date":"20180914","minute":"13:30"}]},
"DAR":
{"chart":[
{"date":"20180914","minute":"09:30"},{"date":"20180914","minute":"13:30"}]}}
I get the data by HTTP response and want to put into a List:
HttpResponseMessage response = client.GetAsync(API_PATH).GetAwaiter().GetResult();
List historicalDataList = response.Content.ReadAsAsync<List<HistoricalDataResponse>>().GetAwaiter().GetResult();
The HistoricalDataResponse class looks like:
public class HistoricalDataResponse
{
public string date { get; set; }
public string minute { get; set; }
}
How can i deserialize this kind of JSON with unknown objects in C#?
Any help is highly appreciated.

Then you should use a dynamic variable:
dynamic ReturnValue = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject(jsonstring);
note that as in dynamic objects, properties are determined after being assigned in runtime, so you will not get a drop down menu in design time, and also as its properties are unknown in design time, and property you test in design time even if its not correct, you wont get an error, and you will get the error in runtime when it is assigned.
dynamic ReturnValue = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject(jsonstring);
try
{
var a = ReturnValue.ANDE; // will work if it has ANDE property.
// do what you would do with ANDE
}
catch{}
try
{
var a = ReturnValue.DAR; // will work if it has DAR property.
// do what you would do with DAR
}
catch{}

Use a dictionary with string as key type :
void Main()
{
var client = new HttpClient();
HttpResponseMessage response = client.GetAsync("url").GetAwaiter().GetResult();
var json = response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync().GetAwaiter().GetResult();
var result = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Dictionary<string, DateResponse>>(json);
foreach (var element in result)
{
var key = element.Key; // ANDE
foreach (var item in element.Value.Chart)
{
var date = item.date;
var minute = item.minute;
}
}
}
public class DateResponse{
public List<HistoricalDataResponse> Chart { get; set; }
}
public class HistoricalDataResponse
{
public string date { get; set; }
public string minute { get; set; }
}

C# - How to return an Array to set a Class property

I am trying to create a Class Method which can be called to Query the Database. The function itself works but for some reason, when the Array is returned, they're not set.
My function code is:
public Configuration[] tbl_bus(string type, string match)
{
// Create Obejct Instance
var db = new rkdb_07022016Entities2();
// Create List
List<Configuration> ConfigurationList = new List<Configuration>();
// Allow Query
if (type.ToLower() == "bustype")
{
foreach (var toCheck in db.tblbus_business.Where(b => b.BusType == match))
{
// Create Class Instance
var model = new Configuration { Name = toCheck.Name, BusinessID = toCheck.BusinessID };
// Append to the property
ConfigurationList.Add(model);
}
}
else if (type.ToLower() == "businessid")
{
foreach (var toCheck in db.tblbus_business.Where(b => b.BusinessID == match))
{
// Create Class Instance
var model = new Configuration { Name = toCheck.Name, BusinessID = toCheck.BusinessID };
// Append to the property
ConfigurationList.Add(model);
}
}
return ConfigurationList.ToArray();
}
And my Configuration code is:
public class Configuration
{
// Properties of the Database
public string Name { get; set; }
public string BusinessID { get; set; }
public string Address { get; set; }
}
public Configuration Config { get; set; }
public Controller()
{
this.Config = new Configuration();
}
On my Handler I am doing:
// Inside the NameSpace area
Controller ctrl;
// Inside the Main Void
ctrl = new Controller();
ctrl.tbl_bus("bustype", "CUS");
context.Response.Write(ctrl.Config.Name);
I tried watching the Class function and it does create the Array, only, when I watch the ctrl.Config.Name it is always set to NULL. Could anyone possibly help me in understanding why the return isn't actually setting the properties inside the Configuration class?
Edit: The function does run and it fetches 3006 rows of Data when matching the bus_type to customer. (Its a large Database) - Only, the properties are never set on return.
Edit: Is there a specific way to return an Array to a Class to set the Properties?
Thanks in advance!

Change your Configs in Controller to array
public Configuration[] Configs { get; set; }
Change your tbl_bus function to void, and set the Configs inside the function.
public void tbl_bus(string type, string match)
{
// do your code
// set the configs here
Configs = ConfigurationList.ToArray();
}
Hope it helps.

Although this is not a complete answer to your question, the problem probably lies in the fact that you're not doing anything with the array returned by the method. You're simply discarding it right away. If you change your code to
ctrl = new Controller();
Configuration[] config = ctrl.tbl_bus("bustype", "CUS");
you will be able to reference the array later on.
Console.WriteLine(config.Length);
Now you can use it to set any properties you like.

Linq object properties disappear after serialization

I'm trying to understand the included code snippets behavior, it doesn't work as I'd expect. Here is what I'm doing:
Serialize a LINQ object to JSON
Deserialize the JSON at (1) back in its initial type
Validate that each property are still in the Object
I serialize the object from (2) back to JSON
Print the json from (4) and visually inspect it
My issue is that at (5), any LINQ entity that is a property of the main LINQ object is gone, even tho it was still there when on validation at (3). All my LINQ classes are LINQ to SQL. I am using Newtons JSON.Net library. I tried the same type of logic with non-linq object and the defect seen at (5) doesn't occur.
var infoId = Guid.NewGuid();
var alertId = Guid.NewGuid();
var info = new Info();
info.InfoId = infoId;
var alert = new Alert();
alert.AlertId = alertId;
alert.Infos.Add(info);
var json = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(alert);
Debug.WriteLine(json); //All looking good, nothing missing
var deserializedObject = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Alert>(json);
Assert.AreEqual(alertId, deserializedObject.AlertId); //Assert is valid
Assert.AreEqual(infoId, deserializedObject.Infos[0].InfoId); //Assert is valid
var json2 = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(deserializedObject);
Debug.WriteLine(json2); //Infos is gone
Update:
I have done some debbugging, and in the Serialization of deserializedObject
var json2 = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(deserializedObject);
I see the following when reaching the Info Serialization step (next code snipped):
this.serializing is true
this._Infos.HasLoadedOrAssignedValues is false
The get return null is called. (get returns the null value)
If I put a breakpoint, and put my cursor on the return this._Infos I actually see the object that It should return ...
[global::System.Data.Linq.Mapping.AssociationAttribute(Name="Alert_Info", Storage="_Infos", ThisKey="AlertId", OtherKey="AlertId")]
[global::System.Runtime.Serialization.DataMemberAttribute(Order=15, EmitDefaultValue=false)]
public EntitySet<Info> Infos
{
get
{
if ((this.serializing && (this._Infos.HasLoadedOrAssignedValues == false)))
{
return null;
}
return this._Infos;
}
set
{
this._Infos.Assign(value);
}
}
Update:
This leads me to believe that I might need to find a way to modify the default value of HasLoadedOrAssignedValues when it is being deserialized from Newtons Json.Net.
I also found a dirty fix, which I don't really like that seems to be working:
var deserializedObject = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<EasAlert>(json);
var list = new List<EasInfo>();
deserializedObject.EasInfos.SetSource(list); //<--- Fix, the Info will show up in json2
Assert.AreEqual(alertId, deserializedObject.AlertId);
Assert.AreEqual(infoId, deserializedObject.EasInfos[0].InfoId);

I was trying Microsoft's JavaScriptSerializer, and it worked fine. Code and output can be found below.
Could it be a bug in Newton's?
void Main()
{
var infoId = Guid.NewGuid();
var alertId = Guid.NewGuid();
var info = new Info();
info.InfoId = infoId;
var alert = new Alert();
alert.AlertId = alertId;
alert.Infos.Add(info);
var jss = new JavaScriptSerializer();
var json = jss.Serialize(alert); //JsonConvert.SerializeObject(alert);
Debug.WriteLine(json); //All looking good, nothing missing
var deserializedObject = jss.Deserialize<Alert>(json); //JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Alert>(json);
(alertId == deserializedObject.AlertId).Dump(); //Assert is valid
(infoId == deserializedObject.Infos[0].InfoId).Dump(); //Assert is valid
var json2 = jss.Serialize(deserializedObject); //JsonConvert.SerializeObject(deserializedObject);
Debug.WriteLine(json2); //Infos is gone - NOT GONE!
}
public class Alert
{
public Guid AlertId { get; set; }
public List<Info> Infos { get; set; }
public Alert()
{
Infos = new List<Info>();
}
}
public class Info
{
public Guid InfoId { get; set; }
}
Output:
{"AlertId":"0340e855-065c-4ac7-868e-5999fa4b7862","Infos":[{"InfoId":"31e269a1-4354-423d-84bc-62f6dc06b10f"}]}
True
True
{"AlertId":"0340e855-065c-4ac7-868e-5999fa4b7862","Infos":[{"InfoId":"31e269a1-4354-423d-84bc-62f6dc06b10f"}]}

check Alert class (constructor)
public class Alert{
public Guid AlertId{get;set;}
public List<Info> Infos {get;set;}
public Alert() {
Infos = new List<Info>();
}
}
looks like you are missing List init
even with EntitySet

Internal error 500 on POST web api

I have a problem with my web api application. I get an internal error 500 when i try to post(save) a new user in my db.
The function bellow is the one that i use to make the client call.
public void InsertNewUser(RegisterModel pNewUser, string pEmail)
{
// Build rest uri
string lREST_Uri_Browse = string.Format(#"api/accountapi/saveuserdata"
// User data
/*pModelSerialized*/);
// Complete URI
string lREST_Uri = Helpers_API.endPoint + lREST_Uri_Browse;
var client = new HttpClient();
client.BaseAddress = new Uri(Helpers_API.endPoint);
var newUser = new Models.Models_API.Users
{
Email = pNewUser.Email,
FName = pNewUser.FName,
LName = pNewUser.LName,
Inserted = DateTime.Now,
ActiveAcc = true,
AccType = pNewUser.AccType,
BCompanyID = pNewUser.CompanyID,
PID = pNewUser.PID,
Password = pNewUser.Password,
Token = GetToken(pEmail),
ThirdParty = 0,
Gender = pNewUser.Gender,
BirthDate = pNewUser.BirthDate
};
// Add an Accept header for JSON format.
//client.DefaultRequestHeaders.Accept.Add(
// new MediaTypeWithQualityHeaderValue("application/json"));
// Create the JSON formatter.
MediaTypeFormatter jsonFormatter = new JsonMediaTypeFormatter();
// Use the JSON formatter to create the content of the request body.
HttpContent content = new ObjectContent<Models.Models_API.Users>(newUser, jsonFormatter);
var result = client.PostAsync(lREST_Uri_Browse, content).Result;
}
This is the model
public class Users
{
public int BrokerID { get; set; }
public DateTime Inserted { get; set; }
public string Email { get; set; }
public string FName { get; set; }
public string LName { get; set; }
public bool ActiveAcc { get; set; }
public int BCompanyID { get; set; }
public int PID { get; set; }
public int AccType { get; set; }
public string Password { get; set; }
public string Token { get; set; }
public int Gender { get; set; }
public DateTime BirthDate { get; set; }
public int ThirdParty { get; set; }
}
And bellow is the POST in APIController:
public HttpResponseMessage SaveUserData(Users pNewUser)
{
bool createUser = false;
// First check for provided email in DB
Users existingUser = asigCtx.Users.Where(u => u.Email == pNewUser.Email).SingleOrDefault();
if (existingUser == null)
createUser = true;
else if (existingUser.ActiveAcc)
createUser = true;
if (createUser)
{
using (asigCtx = new AsigPrimeContext())
{
Users user = new Users()
{
Email = pNewUser.Email,
FName = pNewUser.FName,
LName = pNewUser.LName,
Inserted = DateTime.Now,
ActiveAcc = true,
AccType = pNewUser.AccType,
BCompanyID = pNewUser.BCompanyID,
PID = pNewUser.PID,
Password = pNewUser.Password,
Token = pNewUser.Token,
ThirdParty = 0,
Gender = pNewUser.Gender,
BirthDate = pNewUser.BirthDate,
};
asigCtx.Users.Add(user);
asigCtx.SaveChanges();
}
}
var response = Request.CreateResponse<Users>(HttpStatusCode.Created, pNewUser);
return response;
}
Can anyone give me piece of advice with this code because i'm new in this and i just want to do it wright. TNX

You have an error in your code. A 500 error indicates that your code contains an unhandled exception that killed its worker process.
Change your web.config file so that your application outputs the full error message.

A few things I would check/try to get to the bottom of the issue:
Is the code above exactly the same as in your application or have you changed anything (even if only to make it simpler)?
Is the Users object used in SaveUserData controller method definitely from the same assembly as the one that you are posting from the InsertNewUser method?
Is the Users object complete on the listing (e.g. does it have any constructors)?
Have you tried executing the request to the endpoint through fiddler? This way you take any potential bugs in the client call out of the equation to see if the controller method on its own works.
I've noticed this line:
string lREST_Uri_Browse = string.Format(#"api/accountapi/saveuserdata"
// User data
/*pModelSerialized*/);
Are you formatting the url and passing any params to it? If so, what are the params and what does your WebApi route look like?
That should be enough for a start - let me know how you get on.
BTW: Two things that strike me in your code (unrelated to the question):
It's very confusing to have a class called 'Users' representing a single user. If it's you're code I'd advise to change that to singular.
the properties on the Users object are using abbreviations - I don't think it's that expensive to spell them out and I can guarantee you that anyone new to this code will be grateful if you put a full name rather than a mysterious BCompanyID, or less mysterious but still hard to read (and write for that matter) FName

I had the same problem a few weeks ago. After doing a few tests, I've realized that my WebApi application was using DataContractJsonSerializer by default, instead of Newtonsoft. To fix it, you can change the default serializer on your server to NewtonSoft or to use DatacontractJsonSerializer to serialize your object and pass it to HttpWebRequest.

I would use jQuery to post some Json to the same URL ($.post(#"api/accountapi/saveuserdata", { Email: "e#example.com", FName = "Vlad" ... })), thus eliminating InsertNewUser from the equation. If you still get a null pNewUser parameter in SaveNewuser, then I would look at your API's route configuration to make sure the server expects SaveUserData(Users). If you get a non-null pNewUser from jQuery, then I would look closer at the output from InsertNewUser. If I had to bet, I would put my money on the routing configuration.

it seemed that i had an error with the LINQ code
Users existingUser = asigCtx.Users.Where(u => u.Email == pNewUser.Email).SingleOrDefault();
After i solved this the request was ok.
Tnx for the help :) Appreciate.

Linq using StartsWith always empty

I have a simple List with dummy data as follows:
List<Organisation> list = new List<Organisation>();
list.Add(new Organisation() { LogoUrl = "/images/logos/Blade.png", OrganisationId = 1, OrganisationName = "Blade" });
list.Add(new Organisation() { LogoUrl = "/images/logos/Torn.png", OrganisationId = 2, OrganisationName = "Torn" });
When I run the linq query:
var results = from org in OrganisationsController.GetDummyList()
where org.OrganisationName.StartsWith(searchString)
select org;
It always returns an Empty result. In this case the searchString is specified by the user and the example would be "Tor".
Using different variations like 'where org.OrganisationName == searchString' where the search string is Torn works. But StartsWith never works.
Any ideas where I'm going wrong?
EDIT:
From Jon's code I changed my code to look as follows:
public JsonResult Search(string searchString)
{
//create json result object
JsonResult data = new JsonResult();
var list = OrganisationsController.GetDummyList();
//query the list
var results = from org in list
where org.OrganisationName.ToLower().Contains(searchString.ToLower())
select org;
if (results.Any())
{
System.Diagnostics.Debug.Write("found");
}
//setup the data
data.Data = results;
//return the data
return Json(data, JsonRequestBehavior.AllowGet);
}
Note: I changed the StartsWith to Contains, but both are giving me similary problems.
One of my organisations is called 'Absa'. Here's the really strange thing when I fire up the app for the first time putting in 'bsa' returns nothing, I then enter 'Absa' and it returns a good result. Then I entered 'bsa' again just to double check and it returned Absa which it didn't in the first test. Why would the result not work at first then work later?
Thanks,
Jacques

Unable to reproduce. It works fine for me:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Linq;
class Organisation
{
public string LogoUrl { get; set; }
// Removed redundant Organisation prefixes
public int Id { get; set; }
public string Name { get; set; }
}
class Test
{
static void Main()
{
// Used collection initializer for sanity
var list = new List<Organisation>
{
new Organisation { LogoUrl = "Blade.png", Id = 1, Name = "Blade" },
new Organisation { LogoUrl = "Torn.png", Id = 2, Name = "Torn" },
};
string searchString = "Tor";
var query = from org in list
where org.Name.StartsWith(searchString)
select org;
// Nicer version:
// var query = list.Where(org => org.Name.StartsWith(searchString));
Console.WriteLine(query.Count()); // 1
}
}
Work out the difference between your code and my code to find out what's wrong.
In particular, you've shown code using List<T>, which means LINQ to Objects. If your real code uses LINQ to SQL or Entity Framework, that could easily affect things.