Notepad++ is a popular free text editor used by developers and writers alike. One of its key features is the ability to format JSON data. JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is a lightweight data-interchange format that is widely used for data exchange between client and server. In this article, we will explore how to use Notepad++ to format JSON data.
Notepad++ JSON Formatter
Formatting JSON data can be a tedious task, especially when dealing with large or complex data structures. Notepad++ provides a simple and efficient way to format JSON data, making it easier to read and understand. To format JSON data in Notepad++, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Install the JSON Viewer plugin
Notepad++ does not have a built-in JSON formatter, so we need to install a plugin called JSON Viewer. To do this, select “Plugins” from the menu bar, then select “Plugin Manager” and choose “Show Plugin Manager”. From there, search for “JSON Viewer” and click “Install”.
Step 2: Open the JSON file
Open the JSON file you want to format in Notepad++. If the file is not in JSON format, you can convert it to JSON format using an online converter.
Step 3: Format the JSON data
Once you have the JSON Viewer plugin installed and your JSON file open, select “Plugins” from the menu bar and choose “JSON Viewer”. This will open a dialog box with the formatted JSON data.
Step 4: Save the formatted JSON data
If you want to save the formatted JSON data, select “File” from the menu bar and choose “Save As”. Give the file a new name and make sure to save it with the .json extension.
Notepad++ JSON Formatter Options
The JSON Viewer plugin also provides several options to customize the formatting of your JSON data. These options include:
- Indentation: You can choose the number of spaces or tabs to use for indentation.
- Sorting: You can choose to sort the JSON data by key or leave it unsorted.
- Minification: You can choose to remove all whitespace from the JSON data, making it more compact.
To access these options, select “Plugins” from the menu bar, choose “JSON Viewer”, and then choose “Options”. From there, you can customize the formatting options to suit your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Notepad++ is a versatile text editor that provides a simple and efficient way to format JSON data. With the JSON Viewer plugin, you can easily format your JSON data to make it more readable and easier to understand. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily format your JSON data in Notepad++.