I’m getting a “Stack Overflow” exception when trying to serialize JavaScript array objects using ASP.Net AJAX serializer.
My Setup:
I have a main page with an iframe that contains another page. Both pages use JavaScript functions for serialization.
Main page script (MainPage.js):
function createArrayObject(){
return new Array();
}
function serializeData(data){
var result = Sys.Serialization.JavaScriptSerializer.serialize(data);
alert(result);
}
function testSerialization(){
var data = createArrayObject();
var result = Sys.Serialization.JavaScriptSerializer.serialize(data);
alert(result);
}
Iframe script (FrameScript.js):
function performSerialization(){
var data = window.top.createArrayObject();
window.top.serializeData(data); // Works perfectly
data = new Array();
window.top.serializeData(data); // Throws stack overflow error
}
The Problem:
When I create an array in the parent window and serialize it, everything works fine. But when I create the same array inside the iframe and try to serialize it through the parent window function, I get a stack overflow error.
I debugged through the AJAX library and found that it enters an infinite loop when trying to determine the array type. The system keeps calling type checking methods repeatedly until the stack overflows.
Has anyone encountered this cross-frame serialization issue before? What could be causing this endless loop?
totally! this is a typical cross-frame issue with asp.net ajax. the serializer gets confused since arrays in different frames have different prototypes. you could try using JSON.stringify or make a wrapper function in the iframe to serialize the data first.
I hit this exact issue with cross-domain iframes in a legacy app. Here’s what’s happening: JavaScript’s security model means objects from different contexts keep references to their original constructors and prototypes. When your serializer walks the object graph, it hits these cross-frame references and can’t resolve them - boom, infinite recursion.
Easiest fix? Clone the array data before passing it to the parent frame. Just use var clonedData = data.concat() or var clonedData = [].concat(data) in your iframe before calling the parent serialization function. This creates a fresh array in the iframe’s context without the problematic cross-frame references, so the parent serializer handles it just fine.
ASP.Net AJAX serializer does recursive type checking across frames, creating circular references. Had this exact nightmare on a financial dashboard with multiple iframes passing complex data. Here’s what fixed it: flatten cross-frame objects before serialization. Run your array through JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(data)) in the iframe context before passing it to the parent serializer. This breaks the problematic prototype chains and gives you clean objects the parent can serialize without infinite loops. Tiny performance hit, but way better than stack overflow crashes. More reliable than manual type conversion too since it handles nested objects automatically.
ugh same problem here! the iframe array constructor isn’t the same as the parent window’s Array constructor. quick fix - just use Object.prototype.toString.call(data) === '[object Array]' to check array type instead of instanceof. works across frames every time.
Been there, done that. Cross-frame serialization is one of those headaches that pops up way more than it should.
SwiftCoder15 nailed it with the prototype mismatch issue, but you’re handling this manually when you could automate it.
I hit the same wall a few months back with multiple iframes passing data around. Instead of patching each case, I built an automated workflow that handles all the serialization and cross-frame communication.
It monitors cross-frame data transfers, detects format conflicts automatically, converts everything to neutral JSON, and handles serialization on both ends. No more manual instanceof checks or prototype workarounds.
Bonus - it logs everything so you can spot serialization issues and fix them before they break stuff. Beats debugging through the AJAX library every single time.
This automation is a lifesaver for complex iframe setups. Check it out: https://latenode.com
You’re encountering a “Stack Overflow” exception when serializing JavaScript array objects created within an iframe using the ASP.Net AJAX serializer. The serializer enters an infinite loop when attempting to determine the array type due to cross-frame object references.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
The ASP.Net AJAX serializer performs type checking using instanceof. When an array is created in an iframe, it has a different constructor than an array created in the parent window. Because of JavaScript’s security model, the iframe’s array retains a reference to its original iframe context. When the parent window’s serializer attempts to verify the type using instanceof, it encounters this cross-frame reference, leading to an infinite loop of type checking and ultimately a stack overflow.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Clone the Array Before Serialization: The most effective solution is to create a clone of the array within the iframe’s context before passing it to the parent window for serialization. This removes the cross-frame reference issue.
// FrameScript.js
function performSerialization(){
var data = window.top.createArrayObject();
window.top.serializeData(data); // Works perfectly
data = new Array(); //Original problematic line
var clonedData = [].concat(data); //The fix: creates a new array in the iframe context
window.top.serializeData(clonedData); // Should now work correctly
}
This [].concat(data) method creates a shallow copy of the array. For deep cloning of complex nested arrays, consider using JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(data)), but be aware of potential performance implications for very large datasets.
Verify Serialization: After implementing the fix, retest your serialization process to confirm the exception is resolved. Ensure the serialized data is accurate and contains the expected content.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Deep Cloning: If you have nested objects within your array, a shallow clone (like [].concat()) might not suffice. Consider using JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(data)) for a deep copy, but profile for performance implications.
Alternative Serialization: If cloning proves ineffective or introduces other problems, explore alternative serialization methods, such as using JSON.stringify() directly within your iframe and passing a JSON string to the parent window for processing. This bypasses the ASP.Net AJAX serializer altogether.
Debugging: Use your browser’s developer tools to step through the serialization process. This helps to pinpoint the exact point where the infinite loop occurs if the problem persists.
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
Step-by-Step Guide:
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!