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ByJG Ecosystem

The PHP Serializer is a foundational component used internally across the ByJG ecosystem. It provides seamless conversion between different data types and formats, enabling smooth integration between components.

Overview​

The Serializer is built into several ByJG components to handle data transformation automatically:

ComponentHow Serializer is UsedDocumentation
MicroORMProvides the mapping between database rows and model objectsView Docs
AnyDatasetUses Serializer formatters (JsonFormatter, XmlFormatter) for output serializationView Docs
Cache EngineSerializes complex objects for storage and retrievalView Docs
WebRequestHandles request/response body serializationView Docs
REST ServerFormats API responses automaticallyView Docs

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ Consistent data transformation across all components
  • ✅ Automatic type conversion between formats (JSON, XML, YAML, CSV)
  • ✅ Reduced boilerplate code
  • ✅ Standardized serialization behavior throughout your application

How Serializer is Used in Each Component​

MicroORM​

The Serializer provides the mapping functionality in MicroORM. When you define models with attributes, the Serializer handles converting database rows (typically snake_case) to your model properties (typically camelCase) and vice versa. This eliminates the need for manual property mapping.

Internal Usage:

  • Maps database field names to model property names using PropertyHandlers
  • Converts database result sets to model objects automatically
  • Handles type conversion during data retrieval and persistence

AnyDataset​

AnyDataset uses the Serializer's formatters to provide output serialization. When you work with different data sources (databases, XML, JSON, CSV), AnyDataset leverages JsonFormatter, XmlFormatter, and other formatters to convert data between formats seamlessly.

Internal Usage:

  • Provides FormatterInterface implementations for various output formats
  • Enables format conversion (CSV to JSON, JSON to XML, etc.)
  • Standardizes data structure transformation across all data sources

Cache Engine​

The Cache Engine uses the Serializer to prepare complex objects for caching. Before storing objects in cache backends (Redis, Memcached, Filesystem), the Serializer converts them to simple arrays that can be safely serialized and stored.

Internal Usage:

  • Converts complex objects to cacheable array structures
  • Ensures consistent serialization format across different cache backends
  • Handles deserialization when retrieving cached data

WebRequest​

WebRequest integrates with the Serializer for HTTP request and response body handling. When making API calls or processing responses, the Serializer handles JSON/XML encoding and decoding automatically.

Internal Usage:

  • Serializes request bodies to JSON or other formats
  • Deserializes API responses to PHP arrays or objects
  • Handles content-type negotiation and format detection

REST Server​

REST Server uses the Serializer to format API responses automatically. Based on the requested format (JSON, XML, YAML), it uses the appropriate Serializer formatter to generate the response.

Internal Usage:

  • Automatically formats controller return values
  • Supports multiple output formats based on Accept headers
  • Ensures consistent API response structure

Why Use ByJG Components Together?​

1. Seamless Integration​

All components speak the same "language" through the Serializer:

// Data flows naturally between components
$dbResult = $repository->get($id);           // MicroORM
$cached = Serialize::from($dbResult)->toArray();  // Serializer
$cache->set($key, $cached);                  // Cache Engine
$json = Serialize::from($cached)->toJson();  // Serializer

2. Consistent Behavior​

The same serialization rules apply everywhere:

// Configure once, use everywhere
$userData = Serialize::from($user)
    ->withIgnoreProperties(['password', 'apiKey'])
    ->toArray();

// Use in cache
$cache->set('user', $userData);

// Use in API response
echo Serialize::from($userData)->toJson();

// Use in queue message
$queue->publish(Serialize::from($userData)->toJson());

3. Less Code, More Productivity​

// Without Serializer - manual conversion
$userData = [
    'id' => $user->getId(),
    'name' => $user->getName(),
    'email' => $user->getEmail(),
    // ... repeat for every property
];

// With Serializer - automatic
$userData = Serialize::from($user)->toArray();

Property Handlers Across Components​

Property handlers work consistently across the ecosystem:

use ByJG\Serializer\PropertyHandler\SnakeToCamelCase;

$handler = new SnakeToCamelCase();

// Database → Model (MicroORM)
$dbRow = ['user_id' => 1, 'first_name' => 'John'];
ObjectCopy::copy($dbRow, $user, $handler);

// Cache → Model (Cache Engine)
$cached = $cache->get('user');
ObjectCopy::copy($cached, $user, $handler);

// API → Model (WebRequest)
$apiResponse = json_decode($response->getBody(), true);
ObjectCopy::copy($apiResponse, $user, $handler);

Best Practices​

1. Use Serializer for All Data Conversions​

// Good - consistent serialization
$json = Serialize::from($user)->toJson();
$xml = Serialize::from($user)->toXml();
$csv = Serialize::from($users)->toCsv();

// Avoid - manual conversion
$json = json_encode([/* manual array */]);

2. Cache Serialized Data​

// Good - serialize before caching
$cache->set($key, Serialize::from($model)->toArray());

// Avoid - caching raw objects (may not serialize properly)
$cache->set($key, $model);

3. Use Property Handlers for Format Conversion​

// Good - automatic conversion
ObjectCopy::copy($dbRow, $model, new SnakeToCamelCase());

// Avoid - manual property mapping
$model->userId = $dbRow['user_id'];
$model->firstName = $dbRow['first_name'];

4. Configure Serialization Consistently​

// Define serialization rules once
class User extends BaseModel {
    public static function toPublicArray($user): array {
        return Serialize::from($user)
            ->withIgnoreProperties(['password', 'apiKey', 'internalNotes'])
            ->toArray();
    }
}

// Use everywhere
$cache->set($key, User::toPublicArray($user));
echo Serialize::from(User::toPublicArray($user))->toJson();