Serialized QByteArray length

[giantdragon]

I want to send serialized QByteArray (may have arbitrary size) via TCP socket. I have read that signal readyRead() can be emitted even not all data available and user must manually check it by calling bytesAvailable(). But I didn't found how to get array's size on receiver side.

[squidge]

Once way would be to send the array size first, and then send the array. That way you know the size of the array on the receiver side.

[giantdragon]

What is minimal size when readyRead signal emitted? Is it guaranteed more than 4 bytes?

[squidge]

It could be 1 byte.

If your array will be less than 255 characters then send 1 byte for the length.
If your array will be less than 65535 characters then send 2 bytes for the length and ensure you have 2 bytes before assuming you have the length.
etc.

[giantdragon]

It could be 1 byte.

If your array will be less than 255 characters then send 1 byte for the length.
If your array will be less than 65535 characters then send 2 bytes for the length and ensure you have 2 bytes before assuming you have the length.
etc.

Thanks.
I think it will be better to send always 32-bit interger (qint32) and check bytesAvailable >= 4.