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JSON Flow

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Manuel Gil @imgildev edited this page Feb 7, 2025 · 1 revision

JSON Flow is a free and open source Visual Studio Code extension that transforms your JSON files—and other supported formats—into interactive, node-based graphs. Designed for developers, data analysts, and tech enthusiasts, JSON Flow empowers you to visually navigate and explore complex structured data directly within VS Code.

Overview

JSON Flow takes raw data and turns it into visually engaging graphs, making it easier to understand and debug intricate JSON structures. Whether you’re dealing with configuration files, large datasets, or interrelated data, JSON Flow provides an intuitive, interactive interface that bridges the gap between raw text and actionable insights.

Key Features

Interactive Graph Visualizations

  • Dynamic Node-Based Graphs: Convert JSON, YAML, TOML, INI, XML, CSV, TSV, HCL, and more into dynamic graphs. The visual representation enables you to quickly grasp relationships and hierarchies within your data.

  • Real-Time Interaction: Use zooming, panning, and navigation controls to explore every detail of your data in real time. Focus on specific sections without losing the overall context.

  • Customizable Layouts: Choose from multiple layout orientations (e.g., top-to-bottom, left-to-right, bottom-to-top, right-to-left) so that the visualization best fits your workflow and the nature of your data.

Enhanced Data and File Management

  • Integrated File Explorer: Manage your data files directly within VS Code. Open files, preview content, and view detailed file properties such as file path, language, and line count.

  • Effortless Format Conversion: Convert various file formats to JSON with a single click. This feature streamlines the process of working with diverse data sources, making it simple to standardize your workflow.

  • Content Copy and Preview Options: Easily copy the entire file content or selected segments either as raw text or formatted as JSON. This facilitates sharing, debugging, and integrating data with other tools.

Code Generation from JSON

  • Automatic Code Generation: Integrate with the quicktype library to generate code or type definitions automatically from your JSON structures. Supported languages include TypeScript, Go, Rust, Python, Java, C#, Swift, Kotlin, Dart, C++, and more, reducing manual coding and ensuring type safety.

Customization and Integration

  • Extensive Configuration Options: Tailor JSON Flow to match your development needs through customizable settings. Define file inclusion/exclusion patterns, adjust graph layout orientation, and set display options using VS Code’s settings interface.

  • Command Palette and Context Menus: Access a comprehensive suite of commands directly from the Command Palette or through contextual menus in the file explorer and editor views. Commands include refreshing file lists, opening files, copying content, converting files, and generating previews.

  • Activity Bar Integration: JSON Flow integrates seamlessly into VS Code’s activity bar, providing dedicated views for file management, interactive graph display, and feedback—all designed to keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted.

  • Responsive and Modern UI: Built using React and the VS Code Webview UI Toolkit, JSON Flow delivers a sleek, responsive interface that adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions, ensuring a consistent experience across devices.

Supported File Formats

JSON Flow is built to handle a wide array of data formats, including:

  • JSON Family: Standard JSON, JSON with Comments (JSONC), and JSON5.
  • Configuration Files: YAML, TOML, INI, Properties, and Environment files.
  • Structured Data: XML.
  • Tabular Data: CSV and TSV.
  • Infrastructure & DevOps: HCL (HashiCorp Configuration Language).

This extensive support ensures that JSON Flow can be integrated into virtually any data-driven project.

Why Choose JSON Flow?

  • Simplify Complex Data Analysis: Transform static files into interactive visualizations that help you identify patterns, relationships, and anomalies at a glance.

  • Boost Productivity: Streamline your workflow with powerful features like file management, format conversion, and automatic code generation—all from within your favorite code editor.

  • Enhance Debugging and Collaboration: Clear, visual representations of data make it easier to debug and communicate complex structures, fostering better collaboration across teams.

  • Community-Driven and Continuously Updated: JSON Flow is free, open source, and actively maintained. Regular updates and community contributions ensure that the extension evolves to meet emerging needs.

Getting Started

  1. Install the Extension: Download and install JSON Flow from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace.

  2. Open a Supported File: Launch any JSON or supported file (YAML, TOML, XML, CSV, etc.) in VS Code.

  3. Generate the Visualization: Click on the JSON Flow icon in the activity bar or execute the Show Preview command from the Command Palette to generate an interactive graph.

  4. Customize and Explore: Use the available settings and commands to adjust the graph layout, convert files, copy content, and even generate code from your data.

Additional Tools and Community Engagement

  • Regular Updates: With an active changelog and continuous feature enhancements, JSON Flow stays current with the latest in data visualization technology.

  • Open Source Collaboration: Contributions, feedback, and feature requests are encouraged. Join the community on GitHub to help drive the future of JSON Flow.

  • Detailed Documentation and Support: Comprehensive documentation guides you through installation, configuration, and advanced usage. For support, open issues on GitHub or reach out via community channels.

Elevate your data analysis and development workflow with JSON Flow. Turn complex, raw data into clear, actionable insights—right inside Visual Studio Code. Discover a smarter way to interact with your data today!

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