Directus JSON Code Field Arbitrarily Sorts Properties - A Detailed Bug Analysis And Workarounds

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Introduction

This article addresses a bug encountered in Directus versions v11.9.2 and later, where JSON code fields exhibit an arbitrary sorting of properties upon saving. This issue, which surfaced after upgrading from v11.4.1, significantly impacts the usability of raw JSON fields within Directus. The erratic reordering of properties, seemingly without a discernible pattern, poses challenges for developers and content creators alike. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the bug, its reproduction steps, and the potential impact on data integrity and workflow efficiency. Understanding the root cause and implementing effective workarounds are crucial for maintaining data consistency and optimizing the Directus experience.

Describe the Bug

Since upgrading Directus from v11.4.1 to v11.9.2, a peculiar issue has emerged with Code fields configured to handle JSON data. Upon saving, the data within these fields undergoes a transformation that alters the order of properties. This behavior is not aligned with any conventional sorting logic, such as alphabetical or numerical order; instead, the properties appear to be rearranged in a seemingly random fashion. This arbitrary sorting can be particularly disruptive when working with raw JSON fields, as the unpredictable movement of properties complicates data management and retrieval. The example provided illustrates this issue vividly: a JSON object with properties start, stop, and label is reordered upon saving, resulting in stop, label, and start. Such inconsistencies not only hinder the development process but also raise concerns about data integrity and predictability.

Impact of the Bug

The arbitrary sorting of JSON properties within Directus has several implications for users and their workflows:

  1. Data Inconsistency: The reordering of properties can lead to inconsistencies in the data stored within Directus. This is especially problematic when the order of properties is significant for the application consuming the JSON data.
  2. Debugging Challenges: When debugging applications that rely on the JSON data stored in Directus, the arbitrary sorting can make it difficult to identify and resolve issues. Developers may spend unnecessary time trying to understand why the data is not in the expected format.
  3. Workflow Disruption: The unexpected reordering of properties can disrupt workflows, especially for content creators who manually edit JSON data. The need to constantly reorder properties can be time-consuming and frustrating.
  4. Increased Complexity: The bug adds an extra layer of complexity to working with JSON data in Directus. Developers and content creators must be aware of the issue and take steps to mitigate its impact.
  5. Potential for Errors: The arbitrary sorting can increase the potential for errors when working with JSON data. For example, if an application relies on the order of properties, the reordering can lead to unexpected behavior.

Importance of Addressing the Bug

Addressing this bug is crucial for maintaining the reliability and usability of Directus. The arbitrary sorting of JSON properties can have a significant impact on data integrity, workflow efficiency, and the overall user experience. By resolving this issue, Directus can ensure that users can work with JSON data in a predictable and consistent manner.

Steps to Reproduce

To replicate the bug and witness the arbitrary sorting of JSON properties, follow these steps:

  1. Create a Collection: Begin by creating a new collection within your Directus instance. This collection will serve as the container for the JSON data.

  2. Add a JSON Code Field: Within the newly created collection, add a field of the type "Code". Configure this field to handle JSON data. This is the field where you will input the JSON object.

  3. Copy and Paste JSON: Take the following JSON object and paste it into the Code field:

    {
    "start": 2561000,
    "stop": 2662000,
    "label": "Initial order: start, stop, label"
}

    This JSON object serves as the test case, demonstrating the initial order of properties before saving.

  4. Save: Save the entry within the collection. This action triggers the bug, causing the reordering of properties.

  5. Observe: After saving, examine the JSON data within the Code field. You will notice that the properties have been reordered. In the example provided, the expected order of start, stop, and label will be altered to stop, label, and start.

By following these steps, you can consistently reproduce the bug and observe the arbitrary sorting of JSON properties within Directus.

Directus Version

This bug has been observed in Directus version v11.9.2. It is crucial to note the specific version when reporting or troubleshooting issues, as this helps developers pinpoint the source of the problem and implement the appropriate fix.

Hosting Strategy

The reported instance of this bug occurred in a Self-Hosted (Docker Image) deployment of Directus. This information is relevant as hosting environments can sometimes influence software behavior. Understanding the hosting strategy helps narrow down potential causes and ensures that the fix is tailored to the specific environment.

Docker Image

Using a Docker image for self-hosting Directus offers several advantages, such as consistent environments and simplified deployment. However, it's essential to ensure that the Docker image is properly configured and that all dependencies are correctly installed. When reporting issues related to Docker deployments, providing details about the image version and configuration can aid in troubleshooting.

Database

The database used in the reported instance is mysql-13.0.2. The database system plays a crucial role in data storage and retrieval, and its version can sometimes impact the behavior of applications like Directus. Providing the database version helps developers identify potential compatibility issues or database-specific bugs.

MySQL

MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system known for its reliability and performance. However, different versions of MySQL may have variations in behavior or bug fixes. Therefore, specifying the MySQL version is essential for accurate issue reporting and resolution.

Analyzing the Code Transformation

The code transformation observed in this bug is not based on any logical sorting algorithm, such as alphabetical or numerical order. Instead, the properties appear to be reordered in a seemingly random manner. This behavior suggests that the issue may be related to the internal mechanisms Directus uses to handle JSON data, such as the serialization or deserialization process. Understanding the root cause of this arbitrary sorting is crucial for developing an effective solution.

Potential Causes

Several factors could contribute to the arbitrary sorting of JSON properties:

  1. Serialization/Deserialization Libraries: Directus may be using a third-party library for serializing and deserializing JSON data. If this library has a bug or an unexpected behavior, it could lead to the reordering of properties.
  2. Internal Data Structures: The way Directus stores JSON data internally may influence the order of properties. If the internal data structure does not preserve the original order, the properties may be reordered when the data is retrieved.
  3. Caching Mechanisms: Caching mechanisms within Directus could potentially alter the order of properties. If the cache stores the JSON data in a different format, the properties may be reordered when the data is retrieved from the cache.
  4. Database Interactions: The database driver or the way Directus interacts with the database could also contribute to the issue. If the database driver reorders the properties during storage or retrieval, it could lead to the observed behavior.

Investigating the Root Cause

To pinpoint the exact cause of the bug, a thorough investigation is required. This may involve:

  1. Code Review: Examining the Directus codebase to identify the components responsible for handling JSON data.
  2. Debugging: Using debugging tools to trace the execution flow and identify where the reordering occurs.
  3. Profiling: Profiling the application to identify performance bottlenecks and potential issues related to JSON processing.
  4. Testing: Writing unit tests and integration tests to verify the behavior of JSON handling components.

Workarounds and Solutions

While the root cause of the bug is being investigated, there are several workarounds that users can implement to mitigate its impact:

  1. Manual Reordering: One workaround is to manually reorder the properties after saving the JSON data. This can be time-consuming, but it ensures that the data is in the desired format.
  2. Data Transformation Scripts: You can use data transformation scripts to automatically reorder the properties after saving. This approach can be more efficient than manual reordering, but it requires some programming knowledge.
  3. Custom Extensions: Developing a custom extension for Directus that handles JSON data in a specific way can provide a more robust solution. This approach allows you to control the serialization and deserialization process and ensure that the properties are not reordered.
  4. Downgrading Directus: If the bug is causing significant issues, you can consider downgrading to a previous version of Directus where the bug does not exist. However, this may mean missing out on new features and bug fixes in the newer version.

Long-Term Solutions

The ideal solution is for the Directus team to address the bug in a future release. This would involve identifying the root cause, implementing a fix, and thoroughly testing the solution. In the meantime, the workarounds mentioned above can help users manage the issue.

Conclusion

The arbitrary sorting of JSON properties in Directus v11.9.2 and later is a significant bug that can impact data consistency, workflow efficiency, and the overall user experience. By understanding the bug, its reproduction steps, and its potential causes, users and developers can take steps to mitigate its impact. While workarounds can provide temporary relief, the long-term solution lies in addressing the root cause of the bug within Directus. The Directus community and development team are crucial in identifying and resolving this issue to ensure the platform remains reliable and user-friendly. By staying informed and proactive, users can continue to leverage the power of Directus for their data management needs.

This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the bug, its implications, and potential solutions. By addressing this issue, Directus can further enhance its reputation as a robust and flexible data platform.