How do I convert a Hash to a JSON string in Ruby 1.9?

Question

ruby-1.9.2-p0 > require 'json'
 => true 
ruby-1.9.2-p0 > hash = {hi: "sup", yo: "hey"}
 => {:hi=>"sup", :yo=>"hey"} 
ruby-1.9.2-p0 > hash.to_json
 => "{\"hi\":\"sup\",\"yo\":\"hey\"}"
ruby-1.9.2-p0 > j hash
{"hi":"sup","yo":"hey"}
 => nil

j hash puts the answer I want but returns nil.

hash.to_json returns the answer I want with backslashes. I don't want backslashes.

Wonderful, I didn't j existed. We use y often for formatting Hashes and Objects. — so_mv
– so_mv, Commented Sep 6, 2013 at 22:04

Phrogz · Accepted Answer · 2011-02-06 22:37:19Z

53

That's just because of String#inspect. There are no backslashes. Try:

hjs = hash.to_json
puts hjs

answered Feb 6, 2011 at 22:37

Phrogz

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John Douthat · Accepted Answer · 2011-02-06 22:34:59Z

14

You're on the right track. to_json converts it to JSON format. Don't let the IRB output fool you -- it doesn't contain any backslashes.

Try this: puts hash.to_json and you should see this: {"hi":"sup","yo":"hey"}

answered Feb 6, 2011 at 22:34

John Douthat

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tokland · Accepted Answer · 2011-02-06 22:35:30Z

5

I don't have Ruby1.9 to test, but apparently you are getting the "inspect" view. Those backslashes are not there, they are just escaping the quotes. Run puts hash.to_json to check.

answered Feb 6, 2011 at 22:35

tokland

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