Convert String to Json in PHP from GET Request

Question

When run GET request, the site returns a string instead of JSON with a question mark in the beginning of the string.

?({ "Years": {"min_year":"1941", "max_year":"2017"} });

I tried to use json_encode() function in PHP. However, it returns NULL.

The results is from this site: https://www.carqueryapi.com/api/0.3/?callback=?&cmd=getYears

Does anyone know how to convert the result into JSON? Thanks,

Because instead of ? should be function name, I suppose. This is called jsonp — u_mulder
– u_mulder, Commented Jun 14, 2017 at 19:37

Ben Schroeder · Accepted Answer · 2017-06-14 19:37:44Z

5

If you grab the results from the URL without the callback parameter, you can get the standard JSON format.

https://www.carqueryapi.com/api/0.3/?cmd=getYears

{ "Years": {"min_year":"1941", "max_year":"2017"} }

answered Jun 14, 2017 at 19:37

Ben Schroeder

3562 silver badges7 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

2 Comments

Dale Nguyen Over a year ago

Thanks, @Ben. Do you know why the callback function creates such a result?

gview Over a year ago

They provided that to implement JSONP which was a workaround for Ajax calls that violate the Same origin Policy. Since you are running server-side php code, it's not an issue for you.

gview · Accepted Answer · 2017-06-14 19:49:50Z

2

This is essentially JSONP. They are returning a function ?() with the JSON result inside of it. You would need to remove the outer function, as has been described previously.

They provided that to implement JSONP which was a workaround for Ajax calls that violate the Same origin Policy. This issue and technique is discussed here.

With that said, Ben has found that without the callback param you can avoid the whole issue.

edited Jun 14, 2017 at 19:49

answered Jun 14, 2017 at 19:44

gview

15.5k3 gold badges53 silver badges56 bronze badges

1 Comment

Dale Nguyen Over a year ago

Thanks @gview for the explanation.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Convert String to Json in PHP from GET Request

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related