The Ultimate Guide to JSON Formatting
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) has become the de facto standard for data exchange on the web. Whether you are building an API, configuring a server, or saving game data, you are likely using JSON. However, raw JSON is often "minified" (compressed into a single line) to save bandwidth, making it nearly impossible for humans to read.
Why Format (Prettify)?
Formatting adds indentation (usually 2 or 4 spaces) and newlines to the data structure. This visual hierarchy helps developers spot nested objects, arrays, and logic errors instantly.
{"id":1,"name":"Alice"}
↓
{
"id": 1,
"name": "Alice"
}
Why Minify?
Minification removes all unnecessary characters (spaces, newlines, comments) without changing the data's validity. This reduces file size, leading to faster API response times and lower bandwidth usage.
Strict Syntax Rules
JSON is stricter than standard JavaScript objects. If your code isn't working, check these common pitfalls:
- Double Quotes Only: Keys and string values must be wrapped in double quotes (
"key"). Single quotes ('key') are invalid. - No Trailing Commas: The last item in an object or array cannot have a comma after it. This is the #1 cause of JSON parsing errors.
- No Comments: Standard JSON does not support
// comments.
JSON vs. XML
| Feature | JSON | XML |
|---|---|---|
| Readability | High (Clean syntax) | Medium (Verbose tags) |
| Parsing Speed | Fast (Native to JS) | Slower (Complex parser) |
| Data Types | String, Number, Boolean, Array | Strings only (mostly) |
Use the N28 JSON Validator above to debug these issues instantly. Our tool highlights exactly where the syntax error occurs so you can fix it and get back to coding.