## JSON Fundamentals
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the most widely used data interchange format. Understanding best practices helps write cleaner, more maintainable code.
## Formatting Conventions
### Indentation
Always use consistent indentation (2 or 4 spaces):
```json
{
"name": "John Doe",
"age": 30,
"address": {
"city": "Mumbai",
"country": "India"
}
}
```
### Property Naming
Use camelCase for JavaScript:
```json
{ "firstName": "John", "lastName": "Doe" }
```
Use snake_case for Python/APIs:
```json
{ "first_name": "John", "last_name": "Doe" }
```
## Common JSON Errors
1. **Trailing commas**: JSON doesn't allow trailing commas after the last item
2. **Single quotes**: JSON requires double quotes for strings
3. **Unquoted keys**: All keys must be in double quotes
4. **Comments**: JSON doesn't support comments
## When to Minify vs Beautify
- **Development**: Use beautified JSON for readability
- **Production APIs**: Minify to reduce payload size
- **Configuration files**: Keep beautified for maintainability
## JSON Schema Validation
For complex APIs, use JSON Schema to validate data structure:
```json
{
"type": "object",
"required": ["name", "email"],
"properties": {
"name": { "type": "string" },
"email": { "type": "string", "format": "email" }
}
}
```
## Using Our JSON Formatter
Our free **JSON Formatter** tool helps you:
- Format and beautify JSON instantly
- Detect and highlight errors
- Minify for production
- View in tree format
## Conclusion
Following JSON best practices results in more maintainable code, fewer bugs, and better API documentation. Use our JSON Formatter to keep your JSON clean and valid.
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