JSON Basics/Pretty-print JSON with jq

Format JSON into a readable structure.

Section: Core syntax rules

Pretty-print JSON with jq

bash
bash
jq . input.json
Explanation

A fast way to validate and pretty-print JSON from a file.

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

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Same sheet · prioritizing Core syntax rules
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JSON requires double quotes, not single quotes.
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Trailing commas make JSON invalid.
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Standard JSON does not support comments.
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Validate JSON with Python
Check whether a file parses as valid JSON.
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Root object
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Root array
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