JSON serialization

Learn to write objects to JSON with JsonUtility.

JSON Serialization and JsonUtility

Converting in-memory objects into plain text to save them to disk is called serialization. Unity provides the built-in JsonUtility class for this transformation.

[System.Serializable]
public class PlayerData {
    public string playerName;
    public int health;
}

C# classes targeted for serialization must be decorated with the [System.Serializable] attribute.

The JsonUtility.ToJson Method

To turn a data object into a JSON string, JsonUtility.ToJson(data) is called. This method converts all public fields of the class into a structured key-value text payload.

PlayerData data = new PlayerData();
data.playerName = "Hero";
data.health = 100;
string json = JsonUtility.ToJson(data);

The resulting string can be stored on disk, sent across networks, or inspected with ease.

Exercise Generating a JSON string

Define a Start method. Inside, declare string jsonVeri = "Oyuncu: Savasci, Seviye: 5"; and print "JSON ozeti: " + jsonVeri to the console.

Show example solution

using UnityEngine;

public class JsonTester : MonoBehaviour
{
    void Start()
    {
        string jsonVeri = "Oyuncu: Savasci, Seviye: 5";
        Debug.Log("JSON ozeti: " + jsonVeri);
    }
}

Test yourself

Which attribute must precede a C# class for it to be serialized into JSON text by JsonUtility?
- [HideInInspector]
- [ExecuteInEditMode]
- [RequireComponent]
- [System.Serializable]
Show answer

[System.Serializable] — The [System.Serializable] attribute enables Unity to inspect class fields and convert them into JSON text.

Convert to JSON string

string json = JsonUtility.____(playerData);

Show answer

string json = JsonUtility.ToJson(playerData);

JSON serialization elements

JsonUtility

Built-in Unity JSON converter
ToJson

Converts object into JSON text
[System.Serializable]

Attribute enabling class serialization
JSON

Human- and machine-readable text format

Next lesson: Writing to a file

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