What Is JSON? A Beginner’s Guide
JSON is how most apps and APIs exchange data. It looks intimidating at first but follows a few simple rules. Once you know them, you can read and write it confidently.
What JSON looks like
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) stores data as key–value pairs inside curly braces, with square brackets for lists. Example: {"name": "UtilGears", "tools": 109, "free": true}. Values can be text, numbers, true/false, null, objects or arrays.
The rules that make it valid
Keys must be in double quotes, strings use double (not single) quotes, no trailing commas, and brackets/braces must be balanced. One missing quote or stray comma makes the whole thing invalid.
The JSON Formatter checks validity and pretty-prints it with clean indentation so errors are easy to spot.
Working with JSON
To make messy JSON readable, format it. To turn a spreadsheet into JSON, the CSV to JSON tool converts rows into objects. Both run entirely in your browser, so even sensitive data stays private.
Related tools
Last updated: July 6, 2026