From cfb1eacb37c660b80a3a35021d6feafa9561fb09 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: FFMG <github@myoddweb.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:22:16 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 1/4] Conform empty input parsing to RFC specifications and
 bump version to 0.3.0

---
 CHANGELOG.md                     |  10 +
 README.md                        |   8 +-
 src/TinyJSON.cpp                 |  16 +-
 src/TinyJSON.h                   |   7 +-
 tests/testtinyjson.cpp           |  26 +-
 tests/testtinyjsonexceptions.cpp | 800 ++++++++++++++++++-------------
 tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp    |   6 +-
 7 files changed, 498 insertions(+), 375 deletions(-)

diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 80cd47a..c8d7065 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -5,6 +5,16 @@ All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/),
 and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
+## [0.3.0] - 2026-09-13
+
+### Changed
+- Incremented version to 0.3.0.
+- **Breaking Change**: Conformed empty and whitespace-only document parsing to RFC 4627, RFC 7159, RFC 8259, and JSON5 specifications. Parsing empty strings, whitespace-only content, or empty files now returns `nullptr` (or throws `TJParseException` when `throw_exception = true`) instead of fabricating an empty `TJValueString`.
+- `TJ::is_valid("")` now correctly returns `false`.
+
+### Fixed
+- Fixed inconsistent behaviour where JSON5 returned `nullptr` on empty input while RFC 7159/8259 returned a `TJValueString`.
+
 ## [0.2.7] - 2026-06-27
 
 ### Added
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 936f419..e668794 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 [![CI](https://github.com/FFMG/TinyJSON/actions/workflows/c-cpp.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/FFMG/TinyJSON/actions/workflows/c-cpp.yml)
 [![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](LICENSE)
-[![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-0.2.7-blue.svg)](src/TinyJSON.h)
+[![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-0.3.0-blue.svg)](src/TinyJSON.h)
 
 A lightweight and lightning-fast C++ JSON & JSON5 parser designed for high performance and minimal footprint.
 
@@ -130,9 +130,9 @@ The version is set in the `TinyJSON.h` file.
 
 ```cpp
 static const short TJ_VERSION_MAJOR = 0;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 2;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 7;
-static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.2.7";
+static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 3;
+static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 0;
+static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.3.0";
 ```
 
 ### Simple Value Access
diff --git a/src/TinyJSON.cpp b/src/TinyJSON.cpp
index a9a00e1..45b32d5 100644
--- a/src/TinyJSON.cpp
+++ b/src/TinyJSON.cpp
@@ -4222,15 +4222,16 @@ namespace TinyJSON
       return nullptr;
     }
 
-    if (value_found == nullptr && parse_options.specification == parse_options::json5_1_0_0)
+    if (value_found == nullptr)
     {
-       // JSON5 requires a value
-       return nullptr;
+      parse_result.assign_exception_message(TJCHARPREFIX("The JSON text is empty or contains no value."));
+      parse_result.throw_if_exception();
+      return nullptr;
     }
 
     if (parse_options.specification == parse_options::rfc4627 && !parse_result.has_exception_message())
     {
-      if (value_found == nullptr || (!value_found->is_array() && !value_found->is_object()))
+      if (!value_found->is_array() && !value_found->is_object())
       {
         // error: RFC 4627: A JSON text must be either an object or an array.
         parse_result.assign_exception_message("RFC 4627: A JSON text must be either an object or an array.");
@@ -4243,13 +4244,8 @@ namespace TinyJSON
     }
 
     // return if we found anything.
-    // if we found nothing ... then it is not an error, just an empty string
     parse_result.throw_if_exception();
-    if (value_found == nullptr && parse_result.options().specification == parse_options::json5_1_0_0)
-    {
-       return nullptr;
-    }
-    return value_found != nullptr ? value_found : new TJValueString(TJCHARPREFIX(""));
+    return value_found;
   }
 
   /// <summary>
diff --git a/src/TinyJSON.h b/src/TinyJSON.h
index 1eb4ed4..12945e0 100644
--- a/src/TinyJSON.h
+++ b/src/TinyJSON.h
@@ -49,10 +49,11 @@
 // v0.2.5 - added raise warning when key is not found.
 // v0.2.6 - fixed a bug in the resizing of string buffers.
 // v0.2.7 - improved parse_file error reporting with specific system errors and file name.
+// v0.3.0 - conformed empty input parsing to RFC specifications (returns nullptr / throws instead of empty string).
 static const short TJ_VERSION_MAJOR = 0;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 2;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 7;
-static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.2.7";
+static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 3;
+static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 0;
+static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.3.0";
 
 #ifndef TJ_USE_CHAR
 #  define TJ_USE_CHAR 1
diff --git a/tests/testtinyjson.cpp b/tests/testtinyjson.cpp
index a8e02b2..8b9a756 100644
--- a/tests/testtinyjson.cpp
+++ b/tests/testtinyjson.cpp
@@ -352,16 +352,12 @@ TEST(TestBasic, NullInStringIsValid) {
   delete json;
 }
 
-TEST(TestBasic, NothingIsJustAnEmptyString) {
+TEST(TestBasic, EmptyStringReturnsNull) {
   auto json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("");
-  ASSERT_NE(nullptr, json);
-  ASSERT_TRUE(json->is_string());
-  ASSERT_STREQ("", json->dump_string());
-
-  delete json;
+  ASSERT_EQ(nullptr, json);
 }
 
-TEST(TestBasic, NothingIsJustAnEmptyStringWithSpaces) {
+TEST(TestBasic, WhitespaceOnlyStringReturnsNull) {
   auto json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"(   
 
 
@@ -369,12 +365,10 @@ TEST(TestBasic, NothingIsJustAnEmptyStringWithSpaces) {
 
 
 
-)");
-  ASSERT_NE(nullptr, json);
-  ASSERT_TRUE(json->is_string());
-  ASSERT_STREQ("", json->dump_string());
 
-  delete json;
+
+)");
+  ASSERT_EQ(nullptr, json);
 }
 
 TEST(TestBasic, StringValueIsValid) {
@@ -563,6 +557,14 @@ TEST(TestBasic, ArrayIsValid) {
   ASSERT_TRUE(TinyJSON::TJ::is_valid("[12,13,14]"));
 }
 
+TEST(TestBasic, EmptyStringIsNotValid) {
+  ASSERT_FALSE(TinyJSON::TJ::is_valid(""));
+}
+
+TEST(TestBasic, WhitespaceOnlyIsNotValid) {
+  ASSERT_FALSE(TinyJSON::TJ::is_valid("   \t\r\n   "));
+}
+
 TEST(TestBasic, UserLiteralsArray)
 {
   using namespace TinyJSON;
diff --git a/tests/testtinyjsonexceptions.cpp b/tests/testtinyjsonexceptions.cpp
index b6193bd..320151b 100644
--- a/tests/testtinyjsonexceptions.cpp
+++ b/tests/testtinyjsonexceptions.cpp
@@ -1,343 +1,457 @@
-// Licensed to Florent Guelfucci under one or more agreements.
-// Florent Guelfucci licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-#include <gtest/gtest.h>
-#define TJ_USE_CHAR 1
-#include "../src/TinyJSON.h"
-
-TEST(TestException, IfWeHaveNoExceptionWeDoNotThrow) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_NO_THROW( json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,13,14]", options));
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, ParseExceptionMessageIsSetProperly) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_NO_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,13,14]", options));
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, SourceCannotBeNull) {
-  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex("Hello");
-  EXPECT_STREQ("Hello", ex.what());
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, OperatorCopyParseException) {
-  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex1("Hello");
-  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex2("World");
-  ex2 = ex1;
-  EXPECT_STREQ("Hello", ex2.what());
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, CopyConstructorParseException) {
-  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex1("Hello");
-  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex2(ex1);
-  EXPECT_STREQ("Hello", ex2.what());
-}
-
-
-TEST(TestException, EscapedTabCharacterInString) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Tab\tin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, EscapedReturnCharacterInString) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Return\rin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, EscapedLineFeedCharacterInString) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Line Feed\nin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, EscapedFormFeedCharacterInString) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Form Feed\fin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, EscapedBackSpaceCharacterInString) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"BackSpace\bin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, SingleEscapeCharacterInString) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Single Escape \\ \"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, TheStringIsNotClosed) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("\"Not Closedd", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, CommaAtTheEndOfObject) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{\"a\" : 12,}", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, CommaAtTheEndOfArray) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, UnExpectedCommaInObject) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{,}", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, UnExpectedCommaInArray) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[,]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, MissingCommaBetweenItemsInObject) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{\"a\" : 12 \"b\" : 12}", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, MissingCommaBetweenItemsInArray) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12 \"a\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, UnExpectedCharacterInObject) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{ % }", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, UnExpectedEndOfStringWhileParsingObject) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, UnExpectedEndOfStringWhileParsingArray) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, BadTrue) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[tru]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, BadFalse) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[fals]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, BadNull) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[nul]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, MissingColonInObject) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({ "Missing colon" null })", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, InvalidNumberWithLeadingZero) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0123]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, ExponentsWithZeroDoNotThrow) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_NO_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[1e00]", options));
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, WeReachedMaxDepthOfObjects) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  options.max_depth = 4;
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({"a":{"b":{"c":{}}}})", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, WeReachedMaxDepthOfArrays) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  options.max_depth = 4;
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,[13,[14,[]]]]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, WeReachedMaxDepthMixed) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  options.max_depth = 4;
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({"a":[12,{"c":{}}]})", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, Rfc4627WantsAnObjectOrAnArray) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  options.specification = TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc4627;
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("true", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, WeCannotHaveMoreThanOneItemInRoot) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{},[]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, UnexpectedTokenWhileLookingForValue) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({"a" : Value)", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, ExponentDoesNotHaveANumber) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0e]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, ExponentDoesNotHaveANumberButHasNegativeSign) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0e-]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, ExponentDoesNotHaveANumberButHasPositiveSign) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0e+]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, FractionIsMissingNumberBeforExponent) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("12.e2", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, FractionIsMissingNumber) {
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("12.", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, EscapedTabCharacterInStringWillLogAndThrow) {
-  bool called = false;
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = true;
-  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message) {
-    EXPECT_EQ(message_type, TinyJSON::parse_options::fatal);
-    EXPECT_TRUE(nullptr != exception_message);
-    called = true;
-    };
-  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Tab\tin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
-  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, EscapedTabCharacterInStringWillLogAndNotThrow) {
-  bool called = false;
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = false;
-  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message) {
-    EXPECT_EQ(message_type, TinyJSON::parse_options::fatal);
-    EXPECT_TRUE(nullptr != exception_message);
-    called = true;
-    };
-  EXPECT_NO_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Tab\tin string\"]", options));
-  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, GettingNonExistentKeyWillLogAndNotThrow) {
-  bool called = false;
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = false;
-  options.strict = true;
-  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message) {
-    EXPECT_EQ(message_type, TinyJSON::parse_options::fatal);
-    EXPECT_STREQ(exception_message, "The key 'b' was not found!");
-    called = true;
-    };
-  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{\"a\" : 12}", options);
-  ASSERT_TRUE(json != nullptr);
-  auto* object = static_cast<TinyJSON::TJValueObject*>(json);
-
-  // try and get a non existent key
-  const TJCHAR* value = nullptr;
-  EXPECT_NO_THROW(value = object->get_string("b", true));
-  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
-  EXPECT_STREQ(value, "");
-  delete json;
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, ParseFileNotFoundSmarterError)
-{
-  bool called = false;
-  std::string error_msg;
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = false;
-  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message)
-  {
-    if (message_type == TinyJSON::parse_options::error)
-    {
-      called = true;
-      error_msg = exception_message;
-    }
-  };
-  TinyJSON::TJ::parse_file("this_file_does_not_exist_xyz.json", options);
-  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
-  EXPECT_EQ("File 'this_file_does_not_exist_xyz.json' could not be found!", error_msg);
-}
-
-TEST(TestException, ParseDirectorySmarterError)
-{
-  bool called = false;
-  std::string error_msg;
-  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
-  options.throw_exception = false;
-  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message)
-  {
-    if (message_type == TinyJSON::parse_options::error)
-    {
-      called = true;
-      error_msg = exception_message;
-    }
-  };
-  TinyJSON::TJ::parse_file(".", options);
-  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
-  EXPECT_NE(error_msg.find("."), std::string::npos);
-  bool matched = (error_msg == "File '.' is a directory!" ||
-                  error_msg == "Access denied to file '.'!" ||
-                  error_msg == "File '.' could not be opened!");
-  EXPECT_TRUE(matched) << "Actual message: " << error_msg;
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+// Licensed to Florent Guelfucci under one or more agreements.
+// Florent Guelfucci licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+#include <fstream>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#define TJ_USE_CHAR 1
+#include "../src/TinyJSON.h"
+
+TEST(TestException, IfWeHaveNoExceptionWeDoNotThrow) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_NO_THROW( json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,13,14]", options));
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, ParseExceptionMessageIsSetProperly) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_NO_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,13,14]", options));
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, SourceCannotBeNull) {
+  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex("Hello");
+  EXPECT_STREQ("Hello", ex.what());
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, OperatorCopyParseException) {
+  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex1("Hello");
+  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex2("World");
+  ex2 = ex1;
+  EXPECT_STREQ("Hello", ex2.what());
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, CopyConstructorParseException) {
+  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex1("Hello");
+  TinyJSON::TJParseException ex2(ex1);
+  EXPECT_STREQ("Hello", ex2.what());
+}
+
+
+TEST(TestException, EscapedTabCharacterInString) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Tab\tin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EscapedReturnCharacterInString) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Return\rin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EscapedLineFeedCharacterInString) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Line Feed\nin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EscapedFormFeedCharacterInString) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Form Feed\fin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EscapedBackSpaceCharacterInString) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"BackSpace\bin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, SingleEscapeCharacterInString) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Single Escape \\ \"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, TheStringIsNotClosed) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("\"Not Closedd", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, CommaAtTheEndOfObject) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{\"a\" : 12,}", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, CommaAtTheEndOfArray) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, UnExpectedCommaInObject) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{,}", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, UnExpectedCommaInArray) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[,]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, MissingCommaBetweenItemsInObject) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{\"a\" : 12 \"b\" : 12}", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, MissingCommaBetweenItemsInArray) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12 \"a\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, UnExpectedCharacterInObject) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{ % }", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, UnExpectedEndOfStringWhileParsingObject) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, UnExpectedEndOfStringWhileParsingArray) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, BadTrue) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[tru]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, BadFalse) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[fals]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, BadNull) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[nul]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, MissingColonInObject) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({ "Missing colon" null })", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, InvalidNumberWithLeadingZero) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0123]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, ExponentsWithZeroDoNotThrow) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_NO_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[1e00]", options));
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, WeReachedMaxDepthOfObjects) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  options.max_depth = 4;
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({"a":{"b":{"c":{}}}})", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, WeReachedMaxDepthOfArrays) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  options.max_depth = 4;
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[12,[13,[14,[]]]]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, WeReachedMaxDepthMixed) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  options.max_depth = 4;
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({"a":[12,{"c":{}}]})", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, Rfc4627WantsAnObjectOrAnArray) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  options.specification = TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc4627;
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_THROW(json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("true", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, WeCannotHaveMoreThanOneItemInRoot) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{},[]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, UnexpectedTokenWhileLookingForValue) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse(R"({"a" : Value)", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, ExponentDoesNotHaveANumber) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0e]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, ExponentDoesNotHaveANumberButHasNegativeSign) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0e-]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, ExponentDoesNotHaveANumberButHasPositiveSign) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[0e+]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, FractionIsMissingNumberBeforExponent) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("12.e2", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, FractionIsMissingNumber) {
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("12.", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EscapedTabCharacterInStringWillLogAndThrow) {
+  bool called = false;
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message) {
+    EXPECT_EQ(message_type, TinyJSON::parse_options::fatal);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(nullptr != exception_message);
+    called = true;
+    };
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Tab\tin string\"]", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EscapedTabCharacterInStringWillLogAndNotThrow) {
+  bool called = false;
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = false;
+  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message) {
+    EXPECT_EQ(message_type, TinyJSON::parse_options::fatal);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(nullptr != exception_message);
+    called = true;
+    };
+  EXPECT_NO_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("[\"Tab\tin string\"]", options));
+  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, GettingNonExistentKeyWillLogAndNotThrow) {
+  bool called = false;
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = false;
+  options.strict = true;
+  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message) {
+    EXPECT_EQ(message_type, TinyJSON::parse_options::fatal);
+    EXPECT_STREQ(exception_message, "The key 'b' was not found!");
+    called = true;
+    };
+  TinyJSON::TJValue* json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("{\"a\" : 12}", options);
+  ASSERT_TRUE(json != nullptr);
+  auto* object = static_cast<TinyJSON::TJValueObject*>(json);
+
+  // try and get a non existent key
+  const TJCHAR* value = nullptr;
+  EXPECT_NO_THROW(value = object->get_string("b", true));
+  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
+  EXPECT_STREQ(value, "");
+  delete json;
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, ParseFileNotFoundSmarterError)
+{
+  bool called = false;
+  std::string error_msg;
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = false;
+  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message)
+  {
+    if (message_type == TinyJSON::parse_options::error)
+    {
+      called = true;
+      error_msg = exception_message;
+    }
+  };
+  TinyJSON::TJ::parse_file("this_file_does_not_exist_xyz.json", options);
+  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
+  EXPECT_EQ("File 'this_file_does_not_exist_xyz.json' could not be found!", error_msg);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, ParseDirectorySmarterError)
+{
+  bool called = false;
+  std::string error_msg;
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = false;
+  options.callback_function = [&](TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message)
+  {
+    if (message_type == TinyJSON::parse_options::error)
+    {
+      called = true;
+      error_msg = exception_message;
+    }
+  };
+  TinyJSON::TJ::parse_file(".", options);
+  EXPECT_TRUE(called);
+  EXPECT_NE(error_msg.find("."), std::string::npos);
+  bool matched = (error_msg == "File '.' is a directory!" ||
+                  error_msg == "Access denied to file '.'!" ||
+                  error_msg == "File '.' could not be opened!");
+  EXPECT_TRUE(matched) << "Actual message: " << error_msg;
+}
+
+namespace
+{
+  struct empty_string_callback_tracker
+  {
+    bool called = false;
+    std::string error_msg;
+
+    void operator()(TinyJSON::parse_options::message_type message_type, const TJCHAR* exception_message)
+    {
+      if (message_type == TinyJSON::parse_options::fatal || message_type == TinyJSON::parse_options::error)
+      {
+        called = true;
+        if (nullptr != exception_message)
+        {
+          error_msg = exception_message;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  };
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EmptyStringThrowsException)
+{
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, WhitespaceOnlyStringThrowsException)
+{
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("   \t\r\n   ", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EmptyStringThrowsAcrossAllSpecifications)
+{
+  const enum TinyJSON::parse_options::specification specs[] = {
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc4627,
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc7159,
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc8259,
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::json5_1_0_0
+  };
+
+  for (const auto spec : specs)
+  {
+    TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+    options.throw_exception = true;
+    options.specification = spec;
+    EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse("", options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+  }
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EmptyStringReturnsNullAcrossAllSpecifications)
+{
+  const enum TinyJSON::parse_options::specification specs[] = {
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc4627,
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc7159,
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::rfc8259,
+    TinyJSON::parse_options::json5_1_0_0
+  };
+
+  for (const auto spec : specs)
+  {
+    TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+    options.throw_exception = false;
+    options.specification = spec;
+    auto* json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("", options);
+    EXPECT_EQ(nullptr, json);
+  }
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EmptyStringCallbackMessage)
+{
+  empty_string_callback_tracker tracker;
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = false;
+  options.callback_function = std::ref(tracker);
+  auto* json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse("", options);
+  EXPECT_EQ(nullptr, json);
+  EXPECT_TRUE(tracker.called);
+  EXPECT_EQ("The JSON text is empty or contains no value.", tracker.error_msg);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EmptyFileThrowsException)
+{
+  const char* empty_filename = "test_empty_file_throws.json";
+  {
+    std::ofstream empty_file(empty_filename);
+  }
+
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = true;
+  EXPECT_THROW(TinyJSON::TJ::parse_file(empty_filename, options), TinyJSON::TJParseException);
+
+  std::remove(empty_filename);
+}
+
+TEST(TestException, EmptyFileReturnsNullWithoutException)
+{
+  const char* empty_filename = "test_empty_file_null.json";
+  {
+    std::ofstream empty_file(empty_filename);
+  }
+
+  TinyJSON::parse_options options = {};
+  options.throw_exception = false;
+  auto* json = TinyJSON::TJ::parse_file(empty_filename, options);
+  EXPECT_EQ(nullptr, json);
+
+  std::remove(empty_filename);
+}

diff --git a/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp b/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp
index 1c85f6a..0d7d957 100644
--- a/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp
+++ b/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp
@@ -12,15 +12,15 @@ TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionMajor)
 
 TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionMinor)
 {
-  ASSERT_EQ(2, TJ_VERSION_MINOR);
+  ASSERT_EQ(3, TJ_VERSION_MINOR);
 }
 
 TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionPatch)
 {
-  ASSERT_EQ(7, TJ_VERSION_PATCH);
+  ASSERT_EQ(0, TJ_VERSION_PATCH);
 }
 
 TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionString)
 {
-  ASSERT_STREQ("0.2.7", TJ_VERSION_STRING);
+  ASSERT_STREQ("0.3.0", TJ_VERSION_STRING);
 }

From 6d5c68e38169bf08c7a852ac8d3ebad057800cf0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: FFMG <github@myoddweb.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:29:29 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 2/4] Changed version update to 0.2.8

---
 CHANGELOG.md                  |  6 +--
 GEMINI.md                     | 77 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 README.md                     |  8 ++--
 src/TinyJSON.h                |  8 ++--
 tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp |  6 +--
 5 files changed, 91 insertions(+), 14 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 GEMINI.md

diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index c8d7065..0a4b2a6 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -5,10 +5,10 @@ All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/),
 and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
-## [0.3.0] - 2026-09-13
+## [0.2.8] - 2026-09-13
 
 ### Changed
-- Incremented version to 0.3.0.
+- Incremented version to 0.2.8.
 - **Breaking Change**: Conformed empty and whitespace-only document parsing to RFC 4627, RFC 7159, RFC 8259, and JSON5 specifications. Parsing empty strings, whitespace-only content, or empty files now returns `nullptr` (or throws `TJParseException` when `throw_exception = true`) instead of fabricating an empty `TJValueString`.
 - `TJ::is_valid("")` now correctly returns `false`.
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 - Added warning callback trigger when attempting to retrieve non-existent keys in `TJValueObject` using `try_get_string`, `get_*(..)`, or `get<>(..)` methods.
 
 ### Changed
-- Incremented version to 0.3.0.
+- Incremented version to 0.2.8.
 
 ## [0.2.4] - 2026-05-20
 
diff --git a/GEMINI.md b/GEMINI.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6a7e2bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/GEMINI.md
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+# TinyJSON Project Context
+
+TinyJSON is a modern, high-performance C++ JSON library designed for performance-critical and resource-constrained applications. It is zero-dependency and supports RFC 8259.
+
+## General
+
+- My name is Florent
+- I am a c++ developer
+
+## Project Overview
+
+- **Main Technologies:** C++ (C++11 for library, C++17 for tests), CMake, GoogleTest.
+- **Architecture:** A single-header-ish design (though split into `TinyJSON.h` and `TinyJSON.cpp`) focusing on a fast, minimal-overhead DOM parser.
+- **Key Features:** Zero-dependency, minimal memory overhead, supports UTF-8 BOM, customizable via macros (e.g., optional `std::string` or `std::vector` usage).
+
+## Building and Running
+
+### Specific to this machine
+
+- This is a windows 11 machine
+- I only have visual studio 2022
+
+### Prerequisites
+- CMake 3.28 or later.
+- A C++ compiler supporting C++17 (for tests).
+- Git (to initialize submodules).
+
+### Commands
+```bash
+# Initialize submodules (GoogleTest)
+git submodule update --init --recursive
+
+# Configure and build
+mkdir build
+cd build
+cmake ..
+cmake --build .
+
+# Run tests
+ctest
+```
+
+### Linux/GCC Manual Build (Minimal)
+```bash
+g++ -std=c++11 -Wall -Wextra -Werror -O3 src/TinyJSON.cpp -o tinyjson_lib
+```
+
+## Development Conventions
+
+- At the top of each files, add the following
+
+// Licensed to Florent Guelfucci under one or more agreements.
+// Florent Guelfucci licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+- If the above comment is not present, please flag it and ask me if I want to add it.
+
+
+- Use 2 spaces, always, never tabs
+- **Performance First:** Performance is the primary goal. "Pretty" code is secondary to execution speed and memory efficiency.
+- **Coding Style:**
+  - **Namespaces/Classes/Structs:** `CamelCase`.
+  - **Functions/Variables:** `snake_case`.
+  - **Enums:** `CamelCase` for the type, `lower_case` for values.
+  - **Constants:** Use `static constexpr` (e.g., `TJ_MAX_DIGITS`) instead of macros where possible for thread safety.
+  - **Macros:** Used for code repetition (e.g., `TJ_CASE_DIGIT`), named in `UPPERCASE` with `TJ_` prefix.
+- **Class Structure:** Organized by visibility: `public`, then `protected`, then `private`. Within each section, variables precede methods.
+- **Testing:** New features or bug fixes must include a full set of GoogleTest-based tests in the `tests/` directory.
+- Never commit to git unless I ask you
+- Unless expicitely asked, make sure the code supports c++11 or later, use MACRO if performance would improve ... but c++ must still be supported.
+
+## Key Files
+- `src/TinyJSON.h`: Main header containing the API and configuration macros.
+- `src/TinyJSON.cpp`: Implementation of the parser and writer.
+- `tests/`: Extensive test suite using GoogleTest.
+- `example/`: Usage examples demonstrating various features like basic parsing, options, and literals.
+- `specifications.md`: Detailed information on supported JSON standards.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index e668794..d116e9e 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 [![CI](https://github.com/FFMG/TinyJSON/actions/workflows/c-cpp.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/FFMG/TinyJSON/actions/workflows/c-cpp.yml)
 [![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](LICENSE)
-[![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-0.3.0-blue.svg)](src/TinyJSON.h)
+[![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-0.2.8-blue.svg)](src/TinyJSON.h)
 
 A lightweight and lightning-fast C++ JSON & JSON5 parser designed for high performance and minimal footprint.
 
@@ -130,9 +130,9 @@ The version is set in the `TinyJSON.h` file.
 
 ```cpp
 static const short TJ_VERSION_MAJOR = 0;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 3;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 0;
-static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.3.0";
+static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 2;
+static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 8;
+static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.2.8";
 ```
 
 ### Simple Value Access
diff --git a/src/TinyJSON.h b/src/TinyJSON.h
index 12945e0..3376abf 100644
--- a/src/TinyJSON.h
+++ b/src/TinyJSON.h
@@ -49,11 +49,11 @@
 // v0.2.5 - added raise warning when key is not found.
 // v0.2.6 - fixed a bug in the resizing of string buffers.
 // v0.2.7 - improved parse_file error reporting with specific system errors and file name.
-// v0.3.0 - conformed empty input parsing to RFC specifications (returns nullptr / throws instead of empty string).
+// v0.2.8 - conformed empty input parsing to RFC specifications (returns nullptr / throws instead of empty string).
 static const short TJ_VERSION_MAJOR = 0;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 3;
-static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 0;
-static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.3.0";
+static const short TJ_VERSION_MINOR = 2;
+static const short TJ_VERSION_PATCH = 8;
+static const char TJ_VERSION_STRING[] = "0.2.8";
 
 #ifndef TJ_USE_CHAR
 #  define TJ_USE_CHAR 1
diff --git a/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp b/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp
index 0d7d957..ea2abee 100644
--- a/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp
+++ b/tests/testtinyjsonversion.cpp
@@ -12,15 +12,15 @@ TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionMajor)
 
 TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionMinor)
 {
-  ASSERT_EQ(3, TJ_VERSION_MINOR);
+  ASSERT_EQ(2, TJ_VERSION_MINOR);
 }
 
 TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionPatch)
 {
-  ASSERT_EQ(0, TJ_VERSION_PATCH);
+  ASSERT_EQ(8, TJ_VERSION_PATCH);
 }
 
 TEST(TestVersion, CheckVersionString)
 {
-  ASSERT_STREQ("0.3.0", TJ_VERSION_STRING);
+  ASSERT_STREQ("0.2.8", TJ_VERSION_STRING);
 }

From 3b5ca15e1f33b704a64f07d3396d6bbb5ed58482 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: FFMG <github@myoddweb.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:46:54 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 3/4] Updated .gitignore

---
 .gitignore |  6 +++++
 GEMINI.md  | 77 ------------------------------------------------------
 2 files changed, 6 insertions(+), 77 deletions(-)
 delete mode 100644 GEMINI.md

diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 149136d..83778e6 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -1,3 +1,9 @@
+# AI
+.agents/
+.claude/
+.gemini/
+plans/
+
 # VStudio stuff
 /.vs
 /.vscode
diff --git a/GEMINI.md b/GEMINI.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 6a7e2bf..0000000
--- a/GEMINI.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,77 +0,0 @@
-# TinyJSON Project Context
-
-TinyJSON is a modern, high-performance C++ JSON library designed for performance-critical and resource-constrained applications. It is zero-dependency and supports RFC 8259.
-
-## General
-
-- My name is Florent
-- I am a c++ developer
-
-## Project Overview
-
-- **Main Technologies:** C++ (C++11 for library, C++17 for tests), CMake, GoogleTest.
-- **Architecture:** A single-header-ish design (though split into `TinyJSON.h` and `TinyJSON.cpp`) focusing on a fast, minimal-overhead DOM parser.
-- **Key Features:** Zero-dependency, minimal memory overhead, supports UTF-8 BOM, customizable via macros (e.g., optional `std::string` or `std::vector` usage).
-
-## Building and Running
-
-### Specific to this machine
-
-- This is a windows 11 machine
-- I only have visual studio 2022
-
-### Prerequisites
-- CMake 3.28 or later.
-- A C++ compiler supporting C++17 (for tests).
-- Git (to initialize submodules).
-
-### Commands
-```bash
-# Initialize submodules (GoogleTest)
-git submodule update --init --recursive
-
-# Configure and build
-mkdir build
-cd build
-cmake ..
-cmake --build .
-
-# Run tests
-ctest
-```
-
-### Linux/GCC Manual Build (Minimal)
-```bash
-g++ -std=c++11 -Wall -Wextra -Werror -O3 src/TinyJSON.cpp -o tinyjson_lib
-```
-
-## Development Conventions
-
-- At the top of each files, add the following
-
-// Licensed to Florent Guelfucci under one or more agreements.
-// Florent Guelfucci licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-- If the above comment is not present, please flag it and ask me if I want to add it.
-
-
-- Use 2 spaces, always, never tabs
-- **Performance First:** Performance is the primary goal. "Pretty" code is secondary to execution speed and memory efficiency.
-- **Coding Style:**
-  - **Namespaces/Classes/Structs:** `CamelCase`.
-  - **Functions/Variables:** `snake_case`.
-  - **Enums:** `CamelCase` for the type, `lower_case` for values.
-  - **Constants:** Use `static constexpr` (e.g., `TJ_MAX_DIGITS`) instead of macros where possible for thread safety.
-  - **Macros:** Used for code repetition (e.g., `TJ_CASE_DIGIT`), named in `UPPERCASE` with `TJ_` prefix.
-- **Class Structure:** Organized by visibility: `public`, then `protected`, then `private`. Within each section, variables precede methods.
-- **Testing:** New features or bug fixes must include a full set of GoogleTest-based tests in the `tests/` directory.
-- Never commit to git unless I ask you
-- Unless expicitely asked, make sure the code supports c++11 or later, use MACRO if performance would improve ... but c++ must still be supported.
-
-## Key Files
-- `src/TinyJSON.h`: Main header containing the API and configuration macros.
-- `src/TinyJSON.cpp`: Implementation of the parser and writer.
-- `tests/`: Extensive test suite using GoogleTest.
-- `example/`: Usage examples demonstrating various features like basic parsing, options, and literals.
-- `specifications.md`: Detailed information on supported JSON standards.

From 7e0989d2e172b536e29e976321673cc1d62b4b43 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: FFMG <github@myoddweb.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:56:53 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 4/4] Updated ,gitignore again...

---
 .gitignore | 2 ++
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+)

diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 83778e6..0f73929 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 .claude/
 .gemini/
 plans/
+GEMINI.md
+CLAUDE.md
 
 # VStudio stuff
 /.vs