How Can I Deserialize JSON with Dynamic Keys in C# Using a Dictionary?

Handling Dynamic JSON Keys in C# with Dictionaries

JSON data often presents challenges when dealing with unpredictable keys. This article focuses on a common scenario: a static root key ("daily" in this example) containing dynamic, timestamp-based keys. The solution involves using a dictionary for flexible deserialization.

Here's a robust approach:

1. Leverage Dictionaries for Flexibility: Instead of creating a rigid class structure, use Dictionary<string, object> to accommodate the dynamic keys. This allows for seamless handling of unknown keys at runtime.

2. Deserialize with JavaScriptSerializer: Utilize the JavaScriptSerializer class to parse the JSON string into a dictionary. The code below demonstrates this:

   <code class="language-csharp"> var deserializer = new JavaScriptSerializer();
    var dictionary = deserializer.Deserialize<Dictionary<string, object>>(json);</code>

3. Access the Nested Dictionary: The dynamic keys are nested under the "daily" key. Extract this nested dictionary using:

   <code class="language-csharp"> var dailyData = dictionary["daily"] as Dictionary<string, object>;</code>

4. Iterate and Access Data: Finally, iterate through the dailyData dictionary to access the dynamic timestamps and their associated values:

   <code class="language-csharp"> foreach (var kvp in dailyData)
    {
        string timestamp = kvp.Key;
        object value = kvp.Value;
        Console.WriteLine($"{timestamp}: {value}");
    }</code>

This method provides a flexible and efficient way to process JSON with dynamic keys, ensuring easy access to the underlying data without requiring prior knowledge of the key structure.

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