EnergyPlus JSON format

This is a question about EnergyPlus. I'm wondering about a potential change in idf file format in the future to JSON. I first saw this suggested in a brief note on the OS planned features roadmap ("Support for the new EnergyPlus 9.x JSON input format" is listed as a "Beyond" feature).

The only other information I can find from a little Internet searching is in the BEST directory page, where it says "EnergyPlus building descriptions use a custom object-oriented format. DOE is currently developing a complementary format that uses the standard object-oriented JSON language. This new format is expected to be available in either Fall 2015 or Spring 2016" and "DOE is also currently developing a JSON-based output format that references the JSON-based input. This output option will be available in either the Fall 2015 or Spring 2016 releases."

Can anyone familiar with this move comment on it? Is this happening? Is JSON expected to become the standard input format, or will two formats exist?

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I should delete that sentence. Or at least update it. :)

But to actually answer the question, yes, we will be add JSON input/output support at some point, but that point will probably be beyond FY16. Just too many other priorities right now. The transition plan is to support two formats for a while, along with translation tools from IDF to JSON to allow people to begin migrating, and then stop supporting IDF after some period of time, e.g., 3 to 5 years.

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__AmirRoth__

answered 2015-07-10 13:24:32 -0500

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Ha, just curious, I wasn't trying to hold your feet to the fire or anything! Thanks for the response. Is there any public roadmap for future EnergyPlus development and changes?

Adams Rackes (2015-07-10 14:27:46 -0500) edit

Ha right back atcha! EnergyPlus is a taxpayer funded project. Assuming you are a taxpayer, why not hold my feet to the (figurative) fire? As for the roadmap, there is a general one, but not a detailed feature-by-feature one which is probably what you are looking for. We are working on adding transparency to our planning and execution processes. Something should be out by end of summer on that.

__AmirRoth__ (2015-07-10 15:06:48 -0500) edit

@__AmirRoth__ is there any update on the JSON feature development? There was an update that indicated this feature might be released in late 2016

NickC (2016-12-14 15:14:54 -0500) edit

It's coming in 8.7 March '17. You can get it off GitHub right now if you are antsy. This is just a format change (addition) by the way. Object model is still the same.

__AmirRoth__ (2016-12-14 16:14:49 -0500) edit

This Pull Request #5893 is worth following.

Julien Marrec (2017-01-10 03:42:47 -0500) edit

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EnergyPlus JSON format

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EnergyPlus JSON format