What is the most efficient way to transform an array of objects into a compact string?

I'm exploring a new project with an import/export feature in mind. Initially, I will have an array containing approximately 45 simple objects structured like this:

{"id": "someId", "quantity": 3}

To make it exportable, the entire array of objects needs to be converted into a single string. My plan is to use JSON.stringify() for this purpose. However, I aim to shorten the resulting string as much as possible for user convenience (copying and pasting to share with others for importing back into the original array). Although not essential, my goal is to minimize the length of the string. So, the question remains - how can I convert an array of objects into the shortest possible string?

Any techniques like Encoding, Encryption, or Hashing are welcome, as long as they are reversible to retrieve the original data.

When I say "shortest possible," I am open to any solution that generates a shorter string than straightforward stringification. The most concise method will be accepted.

I experimented with text minification, but its results were similar to the original text. Encryption also resulted in a relatively lengthy output.

Note: The import string (obtained from exporting) can be either human-readable or unreadable.

Answer №1

Removing unnecessary spaces in JSON after the colon and comma is an easy decision. Assuming you have already minified the code in that manner.


Utilizing xz compression can be quite beneficial.

If you are familiar with certain strings that are likely to appear repeatedly in the document input, such as "id:" and "quantity:", create a prefix document containing these terms. The sender will compress the prefix + doc, remove the unchanging initial bytes, and transmit the remaining data. The receiver will receive these bytes via TCP, add back the removed bytes, and decompress the content.

This method enhances compression ratios by utilizing dictionary-based schemes like Lempel-Ziv. By transmitting indexes rather than full words, longer words like "quantity" can lead to significant savings.

If both the sender and receiver are aware of a predefined set of words for the dictionary, raw text transmission of those words can be avoided.

Similar to how the chrome browser compresses web headers when conducting google searches, consider base64 encoding the compressed output for added security.


In cases where compression is not suitable, opting for a database approach similar to tinyurl.com's method can be effective. Assigning serial ID as 1, validate new objects against previous entries in the database. If it's a unique entry, store it under a new serial ID and send the matching ID to the recipient. The receiving end can query the central database for information related to the ID and cache results for future use.

Answer №2

Consider using a straightforward CSV export option. When utilizing the pipe separator, your export string will look something like this:

id|quantity\nsomeId|3\notherId|8

This format is essentially equivalent to:

[{"id":"someId","quantity":3},{"id":"otherId","quantity":8}]

By adopting this method, you eliminate the redundant id and quantity tags for each entry and get rid of unnecessary double quotes.

The only drawback is that all your entries must adhere to the same data structure, which is typically the norm.

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