How to serialize data into indented json

Question

I am using this code to serialize the users into json text file.

if (File.Exists(path))
{
    using (var file = File.CreateText(path))
    {
        var serializer = new JsonSerializer();
        serializer.Serialize(file, this.users);
    }
}

This is the result that I get :

[ output]

How can I get a result like this :

[ pretty-print]

Is this [`Newtonsoft.Json.JsonSerializer`](http://www.newtonsoft.com/json/help/html/t_newtonsoft_json_jsonserializer.htm)? — dbc, May 13 '16 at 00:45
In no conceivable definition of `url-rewriting` is that tag applicable. — Kirk Woll, May 13 '16 at 01:02

score 25 · Answer 1 · answered May 13 '16 at 00:57

25

Set the formatting on the serializer to Indented.

var serializer = new JsonSerializer();
serializer.Formatting = Formatting.Indented;
serializer.Serialize(file, this.users);

answered May 13 '16 at 00:57

Jonathon Chase

9,396
21
39

score 17 · Answer 2 · answered May 13 '16 at 00:56

17

Use this instead :

if (File.Exists(path))
{
    using (var file = File.CreateText(path))
    {
        var json = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(this.users, Formatting.Indented);
        file.Write(json);
    }
}

answered May 13 '16 at 00:56

Xiaoy312

14,292
1
32
44

May as well write directly to the IO stream over to memory and then out, but Formatting.Indented is spot on. – Jonathon Chase May 13 '16 at 00:57
@JonathonChase True, your solution is definitively better. Also, less modification for OP. Have an upvote~ – Xiaoy312 May 13 '16 at 00:58

How to serialize data into indented json

2 Answers2