Reading php-encoded JSON in Javascript

Question

I have created a JSON object in php using json_encode and am attempting to display certain values of that object in javascipt through AJAX. I have no issue receiving the response from php but am getting 'undefined' when I try to access any value of the response using JSON notation.

Code snippet:

if (xmlhttp.readyState==4 && xmlhttp.status==200)
{
   var response = xmlhttp.responseText;
   alert(response);
   alert(response.data);
}

Output:

{"data":[{"cheese":"pork"},{"cheese":"chicken"}]} // Yes, I'm hungry right now.
undefined

EDIT: Thanks everybody for the responses. Wish I could give you all a check mark but I have selected the most helpful response.

You need to parse that JSON back into JavaScript objects see JSON2.js {or if you're desperate use eval, but there's security risks of this} — Rudu
– Rudu, Commented Jul 20, 2011 at 16:55

marc · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:56:47Z

2

You have to parse the json. This can be done through a simple call to eval, but this can only be done if you absolutely trust the returning server as he can make your script execute everything.

 var data = eval('('+response+')');

The way I would recommand if to use json2.js, a small javascript library that ius faster and will handle the parsing for you.

var data = JSON.parse(response);

It can be acquire from https://github.com/douglascrockford/JSON-js

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:56

marc

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Comments

phihag · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:54:36Z

1

You need to parse the JSON:

if (xmlhttp.readyState==4 && xmlhttp.status==200)
{
   var jdoc = JSON.parse(xmlhttp.responseText);
   alert(jdoc.data[0].cheese);
}

Include json2.js in older browsers.

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:54

phihag

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1 Comment

phihag Over a year ago

Please tell me if there is an error in the code I'm writing. Thanks!

Molecular Man · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:55:01Z

1

You have to convert response into js object.

The simpliest way is to use eval():

eval('var result = ' +response);
alert(result.data);

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:55

Molecular Man

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Comments

Londeren · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:55:45Z

1

var response = xmlhttp.responseText

this is not a JSON object. This is plain text. Use var myObject = eval('(' + myJSONtext + ')'); for example to get JSON (eval is evil:)

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:55

Londeren

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Comments

Alex L · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:57:31Z

1

Looks like response is plain text. Try this:

var response = xmlhttp.responseText;
var data = new Function("return "+xmlhttp.responseText)();

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:57

Alex L

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