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For a quick local check, run python -m json.tool input.json: it reports malformed JSON and pretty-prints valid input. In Visual Studio Code, use Format Document to make a JSON file easier to read. If the data also has to meet an application’s required structure or value rules, validate it against the appropriate JSON Schema; formatting and syntax checks do not do that.

Formatting, syntax checking, and schema validation are different

JSON is a defined, language-independent text format for data interchange—not a JavaScript object literal with arbitrary JavaScript syntax. RFC 8259 sets out its grammar and parser and generator expectations: RFC 8259. Formatting changes whitespace and indentation to improve readability. Syntax validation checks whether the text conforms to JSON grammar. Schema validation checks additional requirements, such as which properties and value types an application expects. A document can be valid JSON and still fail those requirements.

Format and check JSON with Python

Python 3.12.15 documents python -m json.tool as a command-line tool for validating and pretty-printing JSON: Python documentation for json.tool.

  1. Open a terminal in the folder containing the file.

  2. Run python -m json.tool input.json, replacing input.json with your filename.

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  3. If the input parses, the command writes an indented representation to standard output. If it is malformed, Python reports an error; correct the indicated issue and run the command again.

The command can also read from standard input and write to an output file. Its documented options include choosing indentation, compact output, sorting object keys, disabling ASCII escaping, and reading JSON Lines. Use JSON Lines mode only for a sequence of separate JSON values—one per line—not for a regular JSON document. Consult the Python documentation for the exact options and behavior before incorporating them into a script.

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Format JSON in Visual Studio Code

Open the JSON file in VS Code and choose Format Document from the editor’s command palette or context menu. The documented keyboard shortcut is Shift+Alt+F on Windows and Linux, and Shift+Option+F on macOS. See Microsoft’s VS Code JSON guide for formatting and JSON support.

VS Code can also provide schema-based feedback when the relevant JSON Schema is associated with the file. Its bundled JSON support covers drafts 4 through 7, with limited support for drafts 2019-09 and 2020-12. If a schema check behaves unexpectedly, verify that the file is mapped to the intended schema and that the schema draft is supported.

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Validate against the application’s JSON Schema

Use a schema when the receiving application imposes rules beyond JSON grammar—for example, a required property, a particular value type, or a constrained value. Associate the appropriate schema in VS Code or use a validator that supports the schema draft in question. The JSON Schema reference explains validation keywords and their role in checking an instance against a schema.

Do not assume a schema keyword is enforced merely because it appears in the schema. In particular, the format keyword may be treated as an annotation rather than an assertion, depending on the validator and its configuration. The Python jsonschema documentation likewise explains that format checking is not required by JSON Schema. If a date, time, or other format rule matters, confirm that the validator supports it and that its format checker is enabled.

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Choose a tool based on the data and the check

Tool Best for What to verify
VS Code Interactive formatting and schema feedback while editing. Confirm the correct schema association and draft support.
Python json.tool Local, repeatable syntax checking and pretty-printing from a terminal or script. Choose CLI options deliberately; use JSON Lines mode only for line-delimited JSON values.
JSON Schema validator Checking application-specific structure and value constraints. Confirm schema-draft compatibility and whether needed format checks are active.
Browser-based formatter Convenient formatting of a non-sensitive snippet. For confidential data, use a local tool unless you have checked the service’s data-handling terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to do when a check fails

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