“json5” is a command-line tool designed to convert JSON5 files to JSON format. JSON5 is a human-readable extension of JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) that adds additional features and syntax enhancements to the standard JSON format. It allows for more flexibility and expressiveness when writing JSON data by supporting features such as comments, trailing commas, single quotes for strings, and multiline strings. Here’s a more detailed explanation of the features and functionalities of “json5”:
- Converting JSON5 to JSON: The primary functionality of “json5” is to convert JSON5 files to the standard JSON format. JSON5 files can contain JSON data with additional features such as comments and more relaxed syntax rules compared to traditional JSON files. “json5” parses JSON5 files and converts them into valid JSON format, making them compatible with standard JSON parsers and processors.
- Command-Line Interface: “json5” operates from the command line, allowing users to convert JSON5 files to JSON format using simple text-based commands. This makes it convenient to use and integrate into existing workflows or automation scripts.
- Human-Readable Syntax: JSON5 provides a more human-readable syntax compared to standard JSON by allowing features such as comments, trailing commas, and alternative quoting styles for strings. This makes JSON5 files easier to read and write, especially for developers who are accustomed to working with other programming languages like JavaScript.
- Preservation of Comments and Whitespace: When converting JSON5 files to JSON format, “json5” preserves comments and whitespace present in the original file. Comments are typically stripped out when processing JSON files, but “json5” retains them during conversion, allowing users to include annotations and explanations within their JSON5 data.
- Validation and Error Reporting: “json5” includes features for validating JSON5 syntax and reporting errors or inconsistencies in the input file. It checks for syntax errors, missing commas, and other common issues, providing informative error messages to help users identify and correct problems in their JSON5 files.
- Integration with Build Tools and Workflows: “json5” can be integrated into build tools, continuous integration (CI) pipelines, and automation workflows to automate the conversion of JSON5 files to JSON format. Users can incorporate “json5” into their build scripts or CI configurations to ensure that JSON5 files are processed consistently and correctly.
- Documentation and Resources: “json5” is documented on its official website, providing usage instructions, command-line options, examples, and troubleshooting guidance. Additionally, there are online communities, forums, and social media channels where users can seek help, share tips, and discuss best practices for working with JSON5 and “json5”.
json5 Command Examples
1. Convert JSON5 stdin to JSON stdout:
# echo [input] | json5
2. Convert a JSON5 file to JSON and output to stdout:
# json5 [path/to/input_file.json5]
3. Convert a JSON5 file to the specified JSON file:
# json5 [path/to/input_file.json5] --out-file [path/to/output_file.json]
4. Validate a JSON5 file:
# json5 [path/to/input_file.json5] --validate
5. Specify the number of spaces to indent by (or “t” for tabs):
# json5 --space [indent_amount]
6. View available options:
# json5 --help
Summary
In summary, “json5” is a useful command-line tool for converting JSON5 files to JSON format, allowing users to take advantage of JSON5’s human-readable syntax while ensuring compatibility with standard JSON parsers and processors. Its command-line interface, preservation of comments and whitespace, validation features, integration with build tools, and documentation make it a valuable tool for developers working with JSON5 data.