Directus JSON Code Field Bug Arbitrarily Sorts Properties

Introduction

This article delves into a peculiar bug encountered in Directus, a headless CMS, where JSON code fields exhibit an arbitrary sorting behavior of properties upon saving. This issue, observed after upgrading from v11.4.1 to v11.9.2, presents a significant challenge for users working with raw JSON data, as the unpredictable reordering of properties can lead to confusion and hinder data management. We will explore the details of the bug, the steps to reproduce it, and its implications for Directus users.

Understanding the Bug: JSON Property Reordering in Directus

As a Directus user who recently upgraded from version v11.4.1 to v11.9.2, a concerning issue has surfaced. JSON code fields are exhibiting an unexpected behavior: they are transforming data upon saving by modifying the order of properties. This isn't a simple alphabetical reordering; the logic behind the sorting seems quite arbitrary, making it difficult to predict or control. Consider the following JSON structure as an example:

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

After saving this data within a Directus JSON code field, the structure is altered to something like this:

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

This seemingly random reordering of properties poses a considerable challenge. Working with raw JSON fields becomes significantly more cumbersome, as the properties shift around unpredictably, without any apparent pattern like alphabetical order. This behavior can lead to errors, inconsistencies, and a general frustration for users who rely on the stability of their JSON structures.

Reproducing the Bug: A Step-by-Step Guide

To effectively address this issue, it's crucial to understand how to reproduce it consistently. Here's a step-by-step guide to replicate the JSON property reordering bug in Directus:

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

2. Add a JSON Code Field: Within the newly created collection, add a new field. Choose the “Code” field type and then specify “JSON” as the code editor mode. This designates the field to handle JSON data.

3. Paste the Sample JSON: Copy and paste the following JSON structure into the newly created JSON code field:

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

4. Save the Entry: Save the entry containing the JSON data. This action triggers the bug.

5. Observe the Reordering: After saving, carefully examine the JSON data within the code field. You will observe that the properties have been reordered. In the example above, the start, stop, and label properties will likely be in a different order than they were initially entered.

By following these steps, you can reliably reproduce the bug and confirm its presence in your Directus instance. This is a critical step in reporting the issue and working towards a solution.

Impact and Implications of the JSON Reordering Bug

The seemingly minor issue of JSON property reordering can have significant implications for Directus users, especially those working with complex data structures or integrations that rely on consistent JSON formatting. Here are some key areas where this bug can cause problems:

• Data Inconsistency: The most immediate impact is the introduction of inconsistency in the data. If the order of properties is not predictable, it becomes difficult to rely on the JSON structure for data processing or exchange. This can lead to errors in applications that consume the data, as they might be expecting properties in a specific order.
• Integration Challenges: Many systems and APIs rely on the order of properties within a JSON object. If Directus arbitrarily reorders these properties, it can break integrations with other systems. For instance, if an external API expects the start property to come before the stop property, the reordering can cause the API to reject the data or misinterpret it.
• Debugging Difficulty: When troubleshooting issues related to JSON data, a consistent structure is crucial. The random reordering of properties makes it significantly harder to debug problems, as developers need to account for the unpredictable order when inspecting the data.
• User Experience: For users who directly interact with the JSON code fields, the reordering can be frustrating and time-consuming. They might need to manually reorder the properties to maintain a consistent structure, which adds an unnecessary burden to their workflow.
• Version Control Issues: If JSON data is stored in version control systems, the reordering can create unnecessary diffs, making it harder to track meaningful changes. This can clutter the commit history and make it more difficult to collaborate on data structures.

In essence, the JSON reordering bug undermines the reliability of Directus as a data management platform. It introduces uncertainty and inconsistency, which can have cascading effects on various aspects of data handling and integration.

Directus Version and Hosting Environment

This bug has been observed in Directus version v11.9.2, specifically after upgrading from version v11.4.1. This suggests that the issue might have been introduced in one of the updates between these versions. Understanding the specific version where the bug emerged is crucial for the Directus team to identify the root cause and implement a fix.

The user who reported the bug is using a self-hosted Directus instance deployed via Docker Image. This means that the issue is not specific to the Directus Cloud platform and can affect users who manage their own Directus deployments. The Docker environment provides a consistent and isolated environment, which further suggests that the bug is likely within the Directus codebase itself, rather than being caused by external factors or dependencies.

The database being used is mysql-13.0.2. This information is important because the database system can sometimes influence how data is stored and retrieved. While the bug is likely not directly caused by MySQL, knowing the specific version helps to narrow down potential interactions or conflicts that might be contributing to the issue.

Having a clear understanding of the Directus version, hosting strategy, and database system is essential for the Directus team to effectively investigate and resolve the bug. This information provides valuable context and helps to isolate the problem within the Directus ecosystem.

Potential Causes and Solutions

While the exact cause of the JSON property reordering bug is yet to be determined, several potential factors could be contributing to this behavior. Understanding these possibilities is crucial for developing effective solutions.

Potential Causes:

1. Serialization/Deserialization Logic: The issue might stem from the way Directus serializes (converts data to JSON) or deserializes (parses JSON into data structures) JSON data. A change in the serialization/deserialization library or logic could be inadvertently reordering the properties.
2. Data Structure Implementation: The internal data structure used to represent JSON objects within Directus might not preserve the original order of properties. If Directus is using a data structure like a standard JavaScript object (which doesn't guarantee property order), the properties could be reordered during processing.
3. Database Interaction: Although less likely, the interaction with the MySQL database could be a factor. The database might be returning properties in a different order than they were stored, or Directus might be misinterpreting the order returned by the database.
4. Code Editor Component: The code editor component used in Directus might have its own logic for formatting or manipulating JSON data, which could include reordering properties.

Potential Solutions:

1. Preserve Property Order: The most straightforward solution is to ensure that Directus uses a data structure that preserves the order of properties. This could involve using a JavaScript Map or a custom data structure that explicitly maintains the order in which properties are added.
2. Control Serialization/Deserialization: Directus should use a JSON serialization/deserialization library that allows for control over property order. Some libraries offer options to serialize JSON objects with properties in the order they were defined.
3. Database Handling: If the database is suspected to be a factor, Directus should ensure that it's correctly handling the order of properties when querying and storing JSON data. This might involve using specific database features or query options.
4. Code Editor Configuration: If the code editor component is the culprit, its configuration should be adjusted to prevent it from reordering properties. Alternatively, a different code editor component that doesn't exhibit this behavior could be used.
5. Bug Fix and Patch: The Directus team should investigate the bug thoroughly and release a patch that addresses the root cause of the issue. This patch should include tests to ensure that the bug is fixed and doesn't reappear in future versions.

By carefully considering these potential causes and solutions, the Directus team can effectively address the JSON property reordering bug and restore the reliability of JSON data handling within the platform.

Conclusion

The JSON property reordering bug in Directus v11.9.2 presents a significant challenge for users who rely on consistent JSON structures. The arbitrary reordering of properties can lead to data inconsistencies, integration issues, and debugging difficulties. By understanding the bug, its impact, and potential causes, we can work towards a solution that ensures the reliability and stability of Directus as a data management platform. The Directus team's attention to this issue and the implementation of a fix will be crucial in maintaining the trust and confidence of its user base. This analysis highlights the importance of thorough testing and careful consideration of data structures and serialization methods when developing and maintaining software that handles JSON data.