jq Arrays and Objects/Read value by explicit path

Look up a nested value using a path array.

Section: Paths and Deep Updates

Read value by explicit path

bash
bash
echo '{"user":{"profile":{"name":"alice"}}}' | jq 'getpath(["user","profile","name"])'
Explanation

Useful when paths are built dynamically.

Learn the surrounding workflow

Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

Same sheet · prioritizing Paths and Deep Updates
Set value by explicit path
Write a nested value using a path array.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Delete multiple paths
Remove several nested paths at once.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Find all scalar paths
List paths that end in scalar values.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Get all leaf values
Return every scalar value in a document.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Find matching nested objects
Search recursively for objects containing a field.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
First array item
Get the first element.
OpenIn sheetbash1 tag match