Net4x.Text.Json 1.0.0

Net4x.Text.Json

Lightweight compatibility wrapper that exposes a subset of the System.Text.Json-style API, implemented on top of Newtonsoft.Json. Intended for projects that need the familiar JsonSerializer API but target older .NET frameworks.

Supported targets

• .NET Framework 3.5
• .NET Framework 4.0
• .NET Framework 4.5
• .NET Framework 4.6.2
• .NET Standard 2.0

Purpose

This library provides:

• JsonSerializer static helpers: Serialize<T>, Deserialize<T>, and stream overloads.
• JsonSerializerOptions with commonly used options mapped to Newtonsoft.Json equivalents.
• A simple JsonConverter<T> base for creating custom converters compatible with the options system.
• A non-static implementation JsonSerializerNonStatic for direct usage or testing.

Internally it uses JsonConvert and JsonSerializerSettings from Newtonsoft.Json.

Installation

Add the package references required by your project:

• Newtonsoft.Json (required)
• Net4x.Text.Json (this project)

For modern SDK-style projects:

For older projects use the __Package Manager__ or the __Manage NuGet Packages__ dialog in Visual Studio.

## Basic usage

Serialize an object to JSON:

Serialize to a Stream (UTF-8):

Deserialize from a string:

Deserialize with a runtime type:

Deserialize from a `Stream`:

Options and configuration

JsonSerializerOptions exposes common switches and converts them to Newtonsoft.Json settings internally:

• WriteIndented → Formatting.Indented
• IgnoreNullValues → NullValueHandling.Ignore
• PropertyNamingPolicy (Default | CamelCase) → ContractResolver with naming strategy
• PropertyNameCaseInsensitive → default contract resolver (preserves names but options exist)
• EnumsAsStrings → adds StringEnumConverter
• ReferenceLoopHandling → maps to Newtonsoft.Json.ReferenceLoopHandling
• ConvertersEnabled + Converters list → appended to JsonSerializerSettings.Converters

Example:

## Custom converters

Create converters by deriving from `System.Text.Json.JsonConverter<T>` and override `Read` and `Write`. The base writes/reads using `Newtonsoft.Json` primitives (via `JsonWriter`/`JsonReader`).

Example outline:

Then register with JsonSerializerOptions.Converters.

Tests

Unit tests (NUnit) demonstrate behavior for:

• Static and non-static serialize/deserialize APIs
• Stream overloads and null argument validation
• Converter read/write behavior

See the Net4x.Text.Json.Tests project for examples and test cases.

Notes

• This library is a pragmatic bridge, not a full implementation of System.Text.Json.
• Behavior follows Newtonsoft.Json semantics where applicable.
• Ensure your consuming project references Newtonsoft.Json.

License

This project is licensed under the Apache-2.0 license. See the LICENSE.txt file for details.