JSON Validator, Linter & Pretty Formatter
Validate JSON data, locate syntax error lines, and format with customizable indentation.
Privacy First: 100% Client-Side Processing
Processed in your browser. Files are never uploaded.
How to Use the JSON Validator: Format, Lint & Syntax Error Checker
- 1Paste your raw JSON string into the editor.
- 2Check the real-time status banner for valid JSON confirmation or error line location.
- 3Inspect key count, root data type (Array or Object), and total byte size.
- 4Click 'Auto-Format' to clean up messy indentation into structured JSON.
Formula & How It Works
RFC 8259 JSON Syntax Grammar
Validates data structures against official ECMAScript grammar specifications.
Worked Examples
Validating an API Payload
Input: {"status": "ok", "items": [1, 2, 3]}
Explanation: Properly formatted with double quotes around keys and strings; no trailing commas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does JSON require double quotes around object keys?▼
The official RFC 8259 specification mandates double quotes to prevent ambiguity with programming language keywords.
Can JSON contain comments?▼
Standard JSON does not support comments; use JSONC (JSON with Comments) if comments are required by your tooling.
What is the maximum file size for browser JSON validation?▼
This client-side validator can comfortably handle multi-megabyte JSON payloads with fast browser execution.
How are JSON syntax error lines pinpointed?▼
The parser reads the byte offset where syntax deviation occurred and counts preceding newline characters to report the exact line number.
Quick Reference & Conversion Table
| JSON Construct | Valid Syntax Example | Common Invalid Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| String | "Hello World" | 'Hello World' (Single quotes invalid) |
| Keys | {"id": 1} | {id: 1} (Unquoted keys invalid) |
| Array | [1, 2, 3] | [1, 2, 3,] (Trailing comma invalid) |
| Boolean | true / false | True / False (Must be lowercase) |
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- •Leaving trailing commas after the final element in arrays or objects.
- •Using single quotes ('key') instead of standard double quotes ("key").
💡 Practical Real-World Uses
- •Validating REST API requests and webhook payloads before sending to backend services.
- •Formatting configuration files like package.json, tsconfig.json, and manifest.json.
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