What is it?

$.serializeObject is a variant of existing $.serialize method which, instead of encoding form elements to string, converts form elements to a valid JSON object which can be used in your JavaScript application.

Why?

Whilst it isn't necessary in most cases, and by that I mean 99.99% kind of most, there are times when we manipulate form data on client side. Personally I find JSON much easier to work with than DOM or string manipulation.

How do I use it?

If you want to see the code and demo first: http://jsfiddle.net/davidhong/PRpJT/

Simply include the jQuery.serializeObject.js along with any jQuery instance and use it like $.serialize.

If you have a form like the following:

<form id="minutes">
	<input type="text" name="subject">
	<input type="text" name="minute-taker">
	<!-- ... -->
	<input type="checkbox" name="attendees" value="David" checked="checked">
	<input type="checkbox" name="attendees" value="Daniel" checked="checked">
	<input type="checkbox" name="attendees" value="Darwin" checked="checked">
</form>

and wish to convert them to a JSON object:

var minutes = $('form#minutes').serializeObject();

will return:

{
	"subject": "",
	"minute-taker": "",
	"attendees": [
		"David",
		"Daniel",
		"Darwin"
	]
}

Change log

2.0.3

• Add MIT License

2.0.2

• Add support for $.noConflict mode

2.0.0

Major version change: Camel casing of names have been removed. Please use version 1.0.4 if you require camel casing of names.

• Remove $.data like camelCasing on names

1.0.4

• Fix an issue (#2) where arrays longer than 2 resulted in incorrect values

Known issues

• In rare cases, this won't work with old checkbox/hidden hack. See this issue for more details.