Convert ArrayBuffers to String

The TextDecoder handles multi-byte UTF-8 sequences split across buffers using the stream option of its decode() method.

The stream option is useful for text received in fragments, such as serial data from a UART or the body of an HTTP response.

// UTF-8 values for "forêt"
const bytes = Uint8Array.of(102, 111, 114, 195, 170, 116);
const decoder = new TextDecoder;

// first part, splitting the "ê"
let string = decoder.decode(bytes.buffer.slice(0, 4), {stream: true});
// => "for"

// second part, splitting the "ê"
string += decoder.decode(bytes.buffer.slice(4));
// => "forêt"

The decode() method accepts any Byte Buffer. The above example can be rewritten using subarray() instead of slice() to eliminate a copy of the data.

// UTF-8 values for "forêt"
const bytes = Uint8Array.of(102, 111, 114, 195, 170, 116);
const decoder = new TextDecoder;

 // first part, splitting the "ê"
let string = decoder.decode(bytes.subarray(0, 4), {stream: true});
// => "for"

 // second part, splitting the "ê"
string += decoder.decode(bytes.subarray(4));
// => "forêt"

To use TextDecoder you need to import its module in your module...

import TextDecoder from "text/decoder";

...and to include its manifest in your manifest.

{
	"include": [
		"$(MODDABLE)/modules/data/text/decoder/manifest.json"
	]
}