Retrieve JSON ordered results array with no names from Asp.net MVC web api

Question

I'm taking my first stab at Asp.Net Web API and MVC to retrieve JSON results. When I query the controller, I receive the following JSON set:

[{"date":"2013-05-01T10:00:00","value":1445.95},{"date":"2013-05-01T10:05:00","value":1427.42}]

However, these results include name:value pairs. I would prefer to receive an ordered results array (with no names):

[{"2013-05-01T10:00:00",1445.95},{"2013-05-01T10:05:00",1427.42}]

I think I read that this is commonly handled after retrieving the JSON object. In this case though, I'm trying to match the output format of another site's existing REST interface. Any suggestions on how to achieve this output?

Answer 1

I would prefer to receive an ordered results array (with no names):

[{"2013-05-01T10:00:00",1445.95},{"2013-05-01T10:05:00",1427.42}]

Sorry but your desired output is invalid JSON. Check it on http://jsonlint.com and see for yourself. I am afraid that if you want to produce such string (because this is not JSON) you will have to build it manually by yourself. The JSON serializer in the Web API produces only JSON.

In this case though, I'm trying to match the output format of another site's existing REST interface.

I would be extremely surprised if a site is using this string as output format. If it is I would suggest you contacting the authors of this service alerting them that this is not JSON.