Formatting JSON in Notepad++

Formatting JSON in Notepad++

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a popular data format used for data interchange. Often, JSON data is presented on a single line, making it difficult to read and understand. Notepad++ doesn’t include native JSON formatting capabilities, but it can be easily extended using plugins. This tutorial will guide you through installing and using plugins to format JSON data within Notepad++.

Understanding the Need for Formatting

Raw JSON often appears as a long, unbroken string of characters. While perfectly valid, this makes it challenging for humans to parse and debug. Formatted JSON introduces indentation and line breaks, creating a hierarchical structure that closely reflects the data’s organization. This improved readability significantly enhances developer productivity.

Installing the JSON Formatting Plugin

Notepad++ uses a plugin system to extend its functionality. Several plugins can format JSON; we’ll cover the two most common methods: JSTool and JSON Viewer. Both are readily available and easy to install.

Method 1: Using JSTool

JSTool is a versatile plugin offering various code manipulation features, including JSON formatting.

1. Plugin Admin: Open Notepad++ and navigate to Plugins > Plugins Admin....
2. Search: In the Plugins Admin window, search for "JSTool."
3. Install: Select "JSTool" from the search results and click the "Install" button. Notepad++ will automatically download and install the plugin. You may need to restart Notepad++ after installation.

Method 2: Using JSON Viewer

JSON Viewer is specifically designed for handling JSON data within Notepad++.

1. Plugin Admin: Open Notepad++ and navigate to Plugins > Plugins Admin....
2. Search: In the Plugins Admin window, search for "JSON Viewer."
3. Install: Select "JSON Viewer" from the search results and click the "Install" button. Restart Notepad++ after the installation is complete.

Formatting Your JSON Data

Once the plugin is installed, formatting JSON is straightforward:

1. Select the JSON: Open the file containing the JSON you want to format, or copy and paste the JSON into a new Notepad++ document. Select the JSON text you want to format.

2. Format the JSON:

   • Using JSTool: Navigate to Plugins > JSTool > JSFormat.
   • Using JSON Viewer: Navigate to Plugins > JSON Viewer > Format JSON. (The shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Shift + M also works with the JSON Viewer).

The selected JSON text will be automatically reformatted with indentation and line breaks, making it much easier to read and understand.

Example

Let’s say you have the following JSON:

{"menu":{"id":"file","value":"File","popup":{"menuitem":[{"value":"New","onclick":"CreateNewDoc()"},{"value":"Open","onclick":"OpenDoc()"},{"value":"Close","onclick":"CloseDoc()"}]}}}

After applying the formatting with either plugin, the JSON will appear as:

{
  "menu": {
    "id": "file",
    "value": "File",
    "popup": {
      "menuitem": [
        {
          "value": "New",
          "onclick": "CreateNewDoc()"
        },
        {
          "value": "Open",
          "onclick": "OpenDoc()"
        },
        {
          "value": "Close",
          "onclick": "CloseDoc()"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

This formatted version is significantly easier to read and comprehend.

Conclusion

Using plugins like JSTool or JSON Viewer, you can easily format JSON data within Notepad++, improving readability and productivity. Both plugins are free, easy to install, and provide a simple way to handle JSON formatting needs.