Cracking JSON Character Encoding: Marketo Best Practice for Seamless Data Transmission
Marketo and several other applications it integrates with rely heavily on JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) as a standard format for data interchange. While transferring data, it is essential to understand character encoding and know when to encode specific characters to maintain data integrity and compatibility.
Example: Proper character encoding ensures that non-Latin characters, special symbols, and other linguistic elements are accurately represented and transmitted.
By default, JSON utilizes the UTF-8 character encoding, as prescribed by the JSON standard. UTF-8 is a widely accepted and comprehensive character encoding scheme that supports a vast range of characters from various scripts and languages. JSON client applications, such as Marketo, have the capability to process non-Latin characters by utilizing their UTF-8 representations or using \uNNNN escapes.
Potential Content-Type Issue in Marketo
While Marketo adheres to JSON requirements for character encoding, there can be instances where it fails to correctly set the HTTP Content-Type header while making an outbound webhook call. This issue can arise even when the payload (request body) conforms to JSON standards.
To address this, as a best practice, it is always recommended to explicitly set the Content-Type = application/json header for transmission.
By utilizing the "Set Custom Header" functionality, you can explicitly define the Content-Type header according to your needs.
Marketo Admin » Webhooks » Select the Webhook » Webhook Actions » Set Custom Heade
This ensures that the correct encoding and character representation are always conveyed during data exchange.
Final Thoughts on Considerations for Character Encoding
It's essential to note that both JavaScript and JSON natively support UTF encoding. Therefore, encoding characters is typically unnecessary (even though the Marketo documentation explicitly says doing so), except for those with reserved meanings, such as newlines (\n) and double quotes (").