# JSON problems - again. (New problem I think)
**URL:** https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066
**Category:** General
**Created:** [9 July 2019 09:08 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066 "2019-07-09T09:08:54Z")
**Posts on this page:** 8
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 09:08 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/1 "2019-07-09T09:08:54Z")
I've been down the `JSON` track a bit.
When using `MQTT` at the remote end I need to pass the data through a `JSON` node to see the sub sections.
Hoping I have got the idea good, I embarked on this new quest. Partly inspired by my JacaScript curiosity.
I'm wanting to process incoming messages. Usually from `MQTT`.
So I can _cheat_ and put them through the `JSON` node and get their sub-sections, like:
msg.payload.part1
msg.payload.part2
msg.payload.part3
Too easy.
But then I fell over, flat on my face.
This works fine with stuff sent over `MQTT`, but not for local stuff.
I don't know how to make messages like they are after coming out of the `JSON` node (and `MQTT`)
I'm sure there is a way, and I probably have been told.
Just with all the new stuff going in, some stuff got moved (in the brain) and I can't remember.
Other than putting it through `MQTT`, is there a way to get a message in that kind of structure?
I've tried putting it through the `JSON` node, but it doesn't do what I want.
Thanks in advance.
---
### Author:  [@ukmoose](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ukmoose)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 09:22 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/2 "2019-07-09T09:22:06Z")
> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> I don't know how to make messages like they are after coming out of the `JSON` node (and `MQTT` )
Taken from the `JSON` node info panel.
> Converts between a JSON string and its JavaScript object representation, in either direction.
So I'm guessing you mean a javascript object?
> **[JavaScript Objects](https://www.w3schools.com/js/js_objects.asp)**
>
> W3Schools offers free online tutorials, references and exercises in all the major languages of the web. Covering popular subjects like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, SQL, Java, and many, many more.
---
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 09:24 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/3 "2019-07-09T09:24:29Z")
Thanks.
I shall look at the link in a moment.
> [@ukmoose](#):
>
> Converts between a JSON string and its JavaScript object representation, in either direction.
Yeah, and I put my "message" in to it and it didn't do what was needed. So you may be right that I want a javascript object.
Sorry, all these new names..... "Stack overflow".
yes, "objects" are what were needed.
But I don't get how to create messages. That link shows how to make them, but not how to send them.
Ok, here's where I'm stuck.
Say I have these variables:
```auto
msg.who = "TimPi",
msg.modem="Online"
msg.uplink="Online"
```
I am wanting to get them as: (forgive the syntax)
```auto
msg.payload.who = "TimePi", msg.payload.modem = "Online", msg.payload.uplink = "Onlinle"
```
These two don't work.
```auto
msg = {payload.who = "TimePi", msg.payload.modem = "Online", msg.payload.uplink = "Online"};
msg = {payload.who: "TimePi", msg.payload.modem: "Online", msg.payload.uplink: "Online"};
```
I can't copy the errors, but I am sure you know them.
Yeah: I'm stupid. I am not getting it. Sorry, that's where I am.
All I can do is try to learn. And believe me it is just as painful for me as it is for you listening to my repeated questions.
---
### Author:  [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 09:45 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/4 "2019-07-09T09:45:46Z")
You are very close with:
```auto
msg.payload.who = "TimePi", msg.payload.modem = "Online", msg.payload.uplink = "Onlinle"
```
The piece you missed was setting `msg.payload` to be an Object first (and also you need to separate statements with a `;` not a `,`:
```auto
msg.payload = {};
msg.payload.who = "TimePi";
msg.payload.modem = "Online";
msg.payload.uplink = "Online";
```
This example is four separate JavaScript statements. The first one initialises `msg.payload` as an empty object. The next three statements set individual properties of that object.
That can also be written as a single JavaScript statement:
```auto
msg.payload = {
who: "TimePi",
modem: "Online",
uplink: "Online"
};
```
This example sets `msg.payload` as a object that already contains the three values you want.
> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Sorry, all these new names..... "Stack overflow".
No-one has mentioned StackOverflow in this topic... but I assume you have by now discovered this is referring to [https://stackoverflow.com/](https://stackoverflow.com/) which is a very useful resource of programming questions and answers.
---
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 09:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/5 "2019-07-09T09:48:00Z")
I'd give you a hug, but I think people will talk.
Thanks very much.
"Stack overflow"....... brain overload.
Sorry. Local slang.
---
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 10:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/6 "2019-07-09T10:21:27Z")
Um.....
Code:
```auto
msg = {};
msg.payload.Who = "TimePi";
msg.payload.device = "Modem";
return msg;
```
Debug window:
```auto
"TypeError: Cannot set property 'Who' of undefined"
```
---
### Author:  [@ukmoose](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ukmoose)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 10:22 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/7 "2019-07-09T10:22:25Z")
Try comparing your pasted code to the code Nick used in his example…
---
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [9 July 2019 10:24 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/json-problems-again-new-problem-i-think/13066/8 "2019-07-09T10:24:58Z")
Ah, yes.
Sorry.
Forgo the `.payload` part.