How to Pretty Print JSON

Key Takeaways

1. Pretty printing JSON makes data easier to read and debug.
2. Multiple tools and languages offer built-in JSON formatting features.
3. Online formatters and command-line utilities are quick options for pretty printing.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a widely used data format for storing and exchanging information between servers and web applications. However, JSON data is often transmitted as a single line or in a compact form, making it hard to read for humans. Pretty printing JSON means formatting it with indentation and line breaks, making it easier to understand and debug.

In this article, we will explore different ways to pretty print JSON using various programming languages and tools.

Why Pretty Print JSON?

Pretty printing is useful for:

• Debugging: Easily spot errors and understand the structure of your data.
• Documentation: Make JSON responses readable in documentation or logs.
• Presentation: Share readable data with colleagues or stakeholders.

Pretty Printing JSON in Python

Python provides built-in support for working with JSON through the json module. Here’s how you can pretty print a JSON object:

import json

data = {
    "name": "Alice",
    "age": 25,
    "city": "New York"
}

# Pretty print with indentation
pretty_json = json.dumps(data, indent=4)
print(pretty_json)

This will output:

{
    "name": "Alice",
    "age": 25,
    "city": "New York"
}

You can also pretty print JSON files from the command line:

python -m json.tool input.json

Pretty Printing JSON in JavaScript

JavaScript's JSON.stringify() method can be used to pretty print JSON:

const data = {
  name: "Alice",
  age: 25,
  city: "New York"
};

console.log(JSON.stringify(data, null, 2));

Here, the third argument specifies the number of spaces for indentation.

Pretty Printing JSON in Command Line (jq)

For quick formatting in the terminal, you can use tools like jq:

jq . input.json

jq automatically formats JSON with colors and indentation, making it easy to read large files.

Pretty Printing JSON Online

There are several free online tools where you can paste your JSON data to pretty print it:

• https://jsonformatter.curiousconcept.com/
• https://jsonlint.com/

These tools provide instant formatting and can also validate your JSON for errors.

Conclusion

Pretty printing JSON enhances readability and helps in debugging and sharing data. Whether you are working in Python, JavaScript, on the command line, or using online tools, there are multiple ways to format your JSON data neatly. Try the method that best fits your workflow!

FAQs

Why should I pretty print JSON?

It improves readability and helps in debugging JSON data.

What’s a simple way to pretty print JSON in Python?

Use json.dumps(data, indent=4) to format JSON with indentation.

Is there a way to pretty print JSON without programming?

Yes, you can use free online JSON formatter tools.

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