How do I handle JSON serialization errors in MvvmCross

Understanding MvvmCross JSON Serialization

MvvmCross provides a `Json` plugin that wraps a PCL version of Json.NET. This plugin implements the `IMvxJsonConverter` interface, which includes methods for serializing and deserializing objects to and from JSON strings[4]. The default settings for serialization include using `Formatting.None` and specific converters like `MvxEnumJsonConverter`[4].

Handling Serialization Errors

To handle serialization errors effectively, you can leverage the error handling features provided by Json.NET. Here are some steps to manage serialization errors:

1. Implement Custom Error Handling:
You can attach an error event handler to the `JsonSerializerSettings` to catch and handle serialization errors. This allows you to log errors or perform other actions when serialization fails[7].

csharp
   JsonSerializerSettings settings = new JsonSerializerSettings();
   settings.Error += (sender, args) =>
   {
       // Handle the error here, e.g., log it
       Console.WriteLine($"Error serializing: {args.ErrorContext.Error.Message}");
       args.ErrorContext.Handled = true; // Mark the error as handled to continue serialization
   };
   

2. Override Default Serialization Settings:
If you encounter issues like recursive references or other serialization problems, you can override the default serialization settings. For example, you can change the `ReferenceLoopHandling` or `PreserveReferencesHandling` settings to handle recursive references[1].

csharp
   JsonSerializerSettings settings = new JsonSerializerSettings
   {
       ReferenceLoopHandling = Newtonsoft.Json.ReferenceLoopHandling.Serialize,
       PreserveReferencesHandling = PreserveReferencesHandling.Objects
   };
   

3. Create a Custom JSON Converter:
If the default settings do not meet your needs, you can create a custom `IMvxJsonConverter` implementation. This allows you to fully control the serialization and deserialization process, including error handling[1].

csharp
   public class MyJsonConverter : IMvxJsonConverter
   {
       private static readonly JsonSerializerSettings Settings;

       static MyJsonConverter()
       {
           Settings = new JsonSerializerSettings
           {
               ReferenceLoopHandling = Newtonsoft.Json.ReferenceLoopHandling.Serialize,
               PreserveReferencesHandling = PreserveReferencesHandling.Objects
           };
           Settings.Error += (sender, args) =>
           {
               // Handle the error here
               Console.WriteLine($"Error serializing: {args.ErrorContext.Error.Message}");
               args.ErrorContext.Handled = true;
           };
       }

       public T DeserializeObject(string inputText)
       {
           return JsonConvert.DeserializeObject(inputText, Settings);
       }

       public string SerializeObject(object toSerialise)
       {
           return JsonConvert.SerializeObject(toSerialise, Formatting.None, Settings);
       }

       public object DeserializeObject(Type type, string inputText)
       {
           return JsonConvert.DeserializeObject(inputText, type, Settings);
       }
   }
   

4. Register the Custom Converter:
Finally, you need to register your custom converter in the MvvmCross IoC container. This ensures that your custom serialization logic is used throughout the application[1].

csharp
   Mvx.RegisterType();
   

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and handle JSON serialization errors in MvvmCross applications.