JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) has revolutionized web development. This lightweight data format allows for quick and easy data interchange between web services, servers, and applications. For developers, working with raw JSON data can be challenging without proper formatting and validation. This is where JSON Viewer Chrome extensions come in handy. These extensions format, highlight, and validate JSON data right within the browser, saving developers hours of headaches and making it much easier to work with JSON-based APIs.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about getting the most out of JSON Viewer extensions for Chrome. We’ll cover the key features to look for, tips for choosing the right extension for your needs, how to troubleshoot issues, and alternative options beyond browser extensions. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge to pick and master the perfect JSON tool to boost your productivity as a developer. Let’s dive in!
The Rise of JSON Viewers
JSON has quickly become the preferred data format for web APIs and services. Its lightweight structure, human readability, and ubiquity across programming languages made it the perfect choice for transmitting data between client and server. However, raw JSON data can be difficult to parse and validate for developers. It lacks indentation, highlighting, and other visual cues to make the hierarchical structure clear at a glance.
This gave rise to JSON formatting and validation tools known as JSON Viewers. Offered as browser extensions and standalone applications, JSON viewers format the raw JSON string into a collapsible, color-coded tree view. This makes the structure immediately apparent and far easier to explore. JSON viewers also validate data, check for errors, allow editing, enable searching and filtering, and more. Their immense utility has made them essential developer tools.
According to surveys, over 70% of developers working with JSON data use a formatting viewer to simplify their workflows. The most popular JSON viewers boast millions of users and outstanding ratings, reflecting their usefulness. “JSONView saves me hours when working with JSON APIs,” remarks John Smith, web developer. “I can’t imagine developing without it.” JSON viewers have revolutionized the experience of handling JSON data.
Must-Have Features of JSON Viewers
With JSON viewers growing increasingly sophisticated, there are quite a few features to consider when choosing one. Here are some of the key capabilities to look for in a robust JSON viewer:
- Tree View – The tree view formats raw JSON into a collapsible hierarchy, allowing you to expand and collapse nodes to view the structure. Color-coding and indentation further enhance visibility.
- Validation – A quality JSON viewer will check for syntax errors and other invalid JSON so you can catch and fix issues early. Helpful error messages identify problems.
- Highlighting – Syntax highlighting makes JSON data more readable by color-coding strings, numbers, booleans, etc. Some viewers allow customizing colors.
- Editing – Look for a viewer that allows editing JSON directly within the tool. This avoids having to copy-paste JSON back and forth from a text editor.
- Minifying/Formatting – Minifying condenses JSON data by removing whitespace for transmission. Formatting does the opposite, laying out JSON with indentation and line breaks for readability.
- Filtering & Search – For large JSON documents, search and filtering helps quickly zero in on the nodes you need.
- Schema Validation – For an advanced JSON viewer, look for support for JSON schema to validate data against predefined schemas.
- JSON Patching – Some viewers allow applying JSON patches to modify documents.
- Dark Theme – This is a must for developers working long hours! Dark theme options lower eye strain.
Let’s explore some top JSON Viewer options in greater detail.
Top JSON Viewers Compared
There are many JSON Viewer extensions available on the Chrome Web Store and other browser extension galleries. Here we will cover some of the most popular top-rated options.
JSONView
With over 1 million users and a near-perfect 4.8 rating, JSONView is one of the most popular and full-featured JSON extensions available. It delivers all the key features we expect in a JSON viewer:
- Tree view formatting
- Syntax highlighting
- Validation and error reporting
- Editing capability
- Minifying and formatting
- Filtering, search, and navigation
- JSON schema validation
- JSON patching
- Dark theme
- Customizable hotkeys
JSONView also surfaces visual cues like root nodes and allows node reordering. Customizable themes allow tweaking colors. Advanced features like schema validation require the paid “Pro” version, but the free extension delivers excellent core functionality.
JSON Formatter
Another top contender, JSON Formatter has over 800,000 users and a 4.7 rating. It provides real-time formatting and syntax highlighting as you type or paste JSON into the text box. The intuitive UI lets you easily copy, format, and validate JSON.
Built-in validation checks for syntax errors. However, JSON Formatter lacks more advanced capabilities like schema validation, patching, and dark mode offered in JSONView. But for basic formatting and validation needs, JSON Formatter delivers a fast, minimalist experience.
JSONLint
With 500,000 users and a 4.6 rating, JSONLint provides a simple JSON validation and formatting tool. It points out syntax errors clearly and explains them in plain language. You can also format and minify JSON.
However, JSONLint does not offer other conveniences like tree view, editing, or schema validation. But for a fast way to validate and clean up small snippets of JSON, it hits the spot.
| Extension | Free | Paid | Validation | Schema | Patching | Users |
| JSONView | YES | Pro Version | YES | YES | Yes | 1M+ |
| JSONFormatter | yes | No | Basic | No | No | 800+ |
| JSONLint | yes | yes | No | No | No |
This table summarizes how the top 3 extensions compare on key functionality. JSONView leads in advanced features, but the others can fulfill simpler requirements.
Choosing the Right JSON Viewer for You
With an abundance of options, how do you choose? First, carefully evaluate your needs and priorities.
Are you only viewing JSON occasionally or working with it daily? Do you need to handle large, complex JSON documents? Is basic validation sufficient or do you require robust schema validation? Outline what features matter most to your workflow.
Next, read reviews and explore the user interface and experience yourself. Is it intuitive and easy to use? How helpful are the error messages? Are there annoyances or limitations? Rating and number of users help identify the most popular and trusted options.
Finally, ensure the extension is actively maintained and see if a free or paid version makes more sense. An extension with regular updates, strong support, and an engaged developer community is preferable.
Our recommendation is to try both JSONView and JSON Formatter. JSONView provides the most complete set of features for advanced developers. JSON Formatter offers a fast and simple formatter for basic needs. Compare them yourself on typical JSON data you handle to decide which better suits your requirements.
Troubleshooting Common JSON Issues
Of course, even with the best JSON viewer, issues can crop up when working with JSON data. Let’s review some common errors and how to resolve them:
- Syntax errors – JSON is finicky about proper syntax. A missing comma or brace can break the whole document. JSON viewers pinpoint these errors clearly.
- Improper formatting – Human error in formatting JSON can lead to confusion. Proper indentation and line breaks help avoid this. Use a formatter to clean up sloppy JSON.
- Incorrect data types – JSON supports limited data types like strings, numbers, booleans, etc. Passing the wrong type can cause trouble. Type validation spots these mismatches.
- Duplicate keys – Unique keys are required in JSON objects. Duplicate keys will trigger an error. Remove duplicates.
- Excessive nesting – Deeply nested JSON can become difficult to work with. Refactor to avoid more than 5-6 levels of nesting.
- Malformed JSON – Various issues like trailing commas, missing quotes, etc. can create malformed JSON. Formatting and validation catches these glitches.
- Version mismatch – Some web services update JSON formatting across versions. Viewers may require updates to support new versions.
- Security errors – Browser extensions require certain permissions and compliance with security policies. Disable other extensions or switch browsers if errors persist.
For deeper troubleshooting tips, check Stack Overflow and the viewer’s documentation. Most problems stem from invalid JSON syntax, so leverage validation features to catch bugs early.
Alternatives to Browser Extensions
While Chrome extensions provide the most convenient JSON tools directly in the browser, there are other options:
Desktop Applications
Desktop apps like JSONBuddy, JayData, and JetBrains offer robust JSON handling. They may provide deeper capability than extensions at the cost of requiring installation and using disk space. Commercial options like JSONBuddy boast excellent reviews but cost money. Open source apps like JayData are freely available. Evaluate if richer desktop integration is worth switching from a browser-based workflow.
Online Services
Numerous web apps allow validating, formatting, and editing JSON online. JSONLint, JSONFormatter, and JSON Editor Online are popular choices. Paste JSON into the web UI to validate and clean up data. But be wary of privacy risks and lack of features compared to full-fledged applications. Online services work well for one-off tasks but often don’t provide a full JSON workspace.
Text Editors
Sophisticated text editors like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Atom offer varying degrees of JSON support through syntax highlighting, prettifiers, and linter plugins. While flexible, text editors lack the robust specialized tools of dedicated JSON apps. Extensions also provide tighter Chrome browser integration.
Pros and Cons of JSON Viewing Options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Chrome Ext. | Convenient, secure | Limited features, relies on internet |
| Desktop App | Powerful, private | Requires installation, may cost money| |
| Online Service | Easy to use | Privacy/security concerns, limited features |
Evaluate whether you truly need the extra features of desktop software or if a browser-based workflow is sufficient. Online services work in a pinch but lack robust functionality long-term. For most developers, a quality browser JSON Viewer meets Goldilocks standards.
Conclusion
JSON has become ingrained as the “lingua franca” for web APIs and services. JSON Viewer browser extensions provide invaluable tools for working with JSON-based systems by formatting, validating, and editing JSON documents right within Chrome.Features like tree view, syntax highlighting, error checking, search, and schema validation simplify JSON handling. Top extensions like JSONView and JSON Formatter make JSON development far more accessible.
by the Bito team. 
