JSON Compare Tool

Our semantic JSON comparison uses structural analysis rather than simple text diffing. It analyzes JSON as parsed objects and tracks changes by path:

✅ Excellent for:

• Property changes: Detects added, removed, or updated object properties
• Value modifications: Tracks changes like "status": "active" → "status": "inactive"
• Nested path tracking: Shows changes like user.profile.email updated
• Property reordering: {"a": 1, "b": 2} vs {"b": 2, "a": 1} are correctly identified as equivalent

❌ Current limitations:

• Array reordering: [1, 2, 3] vs [1, 3, 2] are treated as structural changes, not semantic equivalence
• Set semantics: Arrays are compared by index position, not content equivalence

How it works: Uses advanced side-by-side diff visualization to highlight changes with color-coded additions, deletions, and modifications for clear visual comparison.

References:

• JSON Data Interchange Standard (RFC 7159)
• Semantic Diff Algorithms Research
• JSON Tools Collection - Additional JSON utilities

Yes! The tool is optimized for large JSON responses. It uses efficient diff algorithms and client-side processing to handle complex nested objects without server dependency. Performance is optimized with smart rendering and analysis caching.

Performance features:

• Virtual scrolling: Only renders visible sections for smooth performance
• Progressive loading: Handles large files without memory issues
• Optimized rendering: Smart caching and minimal re-renders

References:

• JSON Data Interchange Format
• Large Dataset Diff Algorithms

The tool provides path-based change detection:

• Added properties: New keys in objects or array elements
• Deleted properties: Removed keys or array elements
• Updated values: Changed property values with before/after tracking
• Array index changes: Element additions, deletions, or modifications at specific indices
• Nested modifications: Deep object changes tracked with full path (e.g., data.users[0].profile.name)

Each change includes the exact JSON path, making it easy to understand exactly what was modified.

Standards compliance: Based on JSON Pointer (RFC 6901) for path notation and JSON Patch (RFC 6902) for change operations.

References:

• JSON Path Expressions
• JSON Schema Specification

Our VS Code-style line-level merge allows granular conflict resolution:

• Hover arrows: Merge arrows appear on diff lines when you hover
• Line replacement: Click arrows to replace individual lines (not insert)
• Persistent merges: Multiple line changes persist until you reset
• Reset functionality: "Reset" button restores original diff state
• JSON validation: Warns about potential syntax issues during line merges
• Smart analysis: Analysis pauses during merge mode to prevent parsing errors

This works like professional Git merge tools - ideal for resolving specific conflicts without affecting unchanged content.

Inspired by:

• VS Code Git Integration
• Git Three-Way Merge

References:

• Merge Conflict Resolution Best Practices
• Three-Way Merge Algorithms

Yes! The tool automatically validates JSON syntax during input, analysis, and merge operations. Invalid JSON triggers helpful error messages. During line-level merges, it warns about potential syntax breakage while still allowing the operation to proceed.

Validation features:

• Real-time syntax checking: Uses native JSON.parse() for validation
• Error reporting: Detailed error messages with line/column positions
• Merge safety: Warns during line-level merges that might break JSON structure

Standards compliance:

• ECMA-404 JSON Data Interchange Syntax
• RFC 8259 - JSON Data Interchange Format

Download options:

• Original JSON: Download the left-side content
• Modified JSON: Download the right-side content
• Merged JSON: Download content after line-level merges
• Smart content selection: Downloads working content if you've made merges, otherwise downloads original content

Features:

• Configurable filename extensions based on tool type
• Proper JSON formatting in downloads
• Works with both original and merge-modified content

Export formats supported:

• JSON (.json): Standard JSON with proper formatting
• Minified JSON: Compact format for production use

Related JSON tools:

• JSON Tools Collection - Comprehensive JSON utilities
• File API - Web standards for file downloads

Absolutely! It's perfect for comparing API responses, configuration files, database exports, and any structured JSON data. The semantic comparison helps identify functional changes (actual data differences) vs. cosmetic ones (formatting, property order).

Common use cases:

• API version comparison: Track changes between API versions
• Configuration management: Compare environment-specific configs
• Data migration validation: Verify data transformations
• Testing: Compare expected vs. actual API responses

API standards supported:

• OpenAPI Specification responses
• JSON API format
• JSON-RPC responses
• REST Architectural Style

Official specifications:

• JSON API Specification
• REST Architectural Style
• HTTP/1.1 Semantics and Content