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Format and validate JSON data structures. Use when you need to pretty-print JSON, validate syntax, or convert between compact and formatted JSON.

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Simple Task - JSON Formatter

Format and validate JSON data structures with consistent styling.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

  • Pretty-print JSON for readability
  • Validate JSON syntax
  • Convert compact JSON to formatted JSON
  • Ensure consistent JSON formatting
  • Debug JSON structure issues

Process

Step 1: Receive JSON Input

Accept JSON data in one of these forms:

  • Raw JSON string
  • JSON file path
  • Inline JSON object

Step 2: Validate Syntax

Check if the JSON is valid:

  1. Attempt to parse the JSON
  2. Identify syntax errors if present
  3. Report specific error location and type

Step 3: Format JSON

Apply consistent formatting:

  1. Use 2-space indentation
  2. Sort keys alphabetically (optional)
  3. Ensure trailing newline

Step 4: Output Result

Provide the formatted JSON:

  • Display formatted output
  • Save to file if requested
  • Report any validation errors

Examples

Example 1: Basic Formatting

Input:

{ "name": "John", "age": 30, "city": "New York" }

Process:

  1. Parse JSON (valid)
  2. Apply 2-space indentation
  3. Format output

Expected Output:

{
  "name": "John",
  "age": 30,
  "city": "New York"
}

Example 2: Validation Error

Input:

{ "name": "John", "age": 30 }

Process:

  1. Attempt to parse
  2. Detect syntax error (trailing comma)
  3. Report error location

Expected Output:

Error: Invalid JSON syntax
Line 1, position 25: Unexpected token }
Trailing comma not allowed in JSON

Example 3: Nested Structure

Input:

{
  "user": {
    "name": "Alice",
    "contact": { "email": "alice@example.com", "phone": "555-0123" }
  },
  "active": true
}

Process:

  1. Parse complex nested structure
  2. Apply formatting recursively
  3. Maintain key order

Expected Output:

{
  "user": {
    "name": "Alice",
    "contact": {
      "email": "alice@example.com",
      "phone": "555-0123"
    }
  },
  "active": true
}

Best Practices

  • Always validate before formatting
  • Use consistent indentation (2 spaces recommended)
  • Preserve data types (numbers, booleans, null)
  • Handle edge cases (empty objects, arrays)
  • Provide clear error messages for invalid JSON

Common Pitfalls

  • Trailing commas: Not valid in standard JSON
  • Single quotes: JSON requires double quotes
  • Unquoted keys: Keys must be quoted strings
  • Comments: Not supported in standard JSON
  • Special characters: Must be properly escaped

Dependencies

No external dependencies required. Uses standard JSON parsing capabilities.

Error Handling

Invalid JSON:

  • Report syntax error with location
  • Suggest common fixes
  • Do not attempt to format

Empty Input:

  • Return empty object {} or array []
  • Do not error on empty input

File Not Found:

  • Report file path error
  • Suggest checking path
  • Do not continue processing