json_decode online
Simulate PHP's json_decode() function online. Test JSON decoding with all parameters: associative arrays, depth limits, and flags. See exactly how PHP decodes your JSON without needing a server.
json_decode(string $json, ?bool $associative = null, int $depth = 512, int $flags = 0): mixed Parameters
JSON String Input
PHP Output
// PHP output will appear here
Sample JSON for Testing
Click on any example to test the decoder:
json_decode() Function Guide
About json_decode()
The json_decode() function is PHP's built-in method for converting JSON strings into PHP variables. It parses a JSON encoded string and converts it into a PHP value (object, array, or scalar). This tool simulates the exact behavior of PHP's json_decode() so you can test and understand how your JSON will be decoded in a real PHP environment.
- Converts JSON strings to PHP objects or arrays
- Supports depth limiting to prevent stack overflow
- Handles various flags for special decoding behavior
- Returns NULL on invalid JSON with proper error handling
- Preserves data types (strings, numbers, booleans, null)
Parameters Explained
$json: The JSON string being decoded. Must be valid JSON syntax.
$associative: When set to true, returned objects will be converted into associative arrays. When null or false, objects are returned as stdClass instances.
$depth: Maximum nesting depth of the structure being decoded. PHP will throw an error if the depth limit is exceeded, preventing infinite recursion. Default is 512.
$flags: Bitmask of JSON decode options. Common flags include JSON_BIGINT_AS_STRING (decode large integers as strings) and JSON_OBJECT_AS_ARRAY (decode objects as arrays).
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