JSON Validation

JSON Validation is a critical step in ensuring the integrity and reliability of data exchanged between systems. It helps catch errors early, prevent data corruption, and enforce consistency across APIs, configurations, and data pipelines.

Validation typically occurs in two distinct stages, each addressing a different aspect of the JSON document:

1. Syntax Validation: This stage ensures that the JSON document is syntactically correct, meaning it follows the strict grammar rules of JSON. Common checks include:
   • Keys and string values must be enclosed in double quotes (").
   • Commas must be correctly placed between key-value pairs and array elements.
   • No trailing commas are allowed in objects or arrays.
   • Brackets ( and []) must be properly opened and closed.
   A document that fails syntax validation cannot be parsed and is considered invalid JSON.
2. Schema Validation: Once the syntax is confirmed to be correct, schema validation checks whether the data matches a predefined structure, typically described using a JSON Schema. This includes:
   • Ensuring required fields are present.
   • Validating the data types (e.g., string, number, boolean) of each value.
   • Checking value constraints, such as minimum/maximum values, string lengths, or regex patterns.
   • Enforcing array item structure and uniqueness rules.
   Schema validation is essential for APIs, where the consumer expects data to follow a specific format.

Using a JSON Validator during development and deployment helps ensure that your data is clean, safe, and compatible with other systems. It's especially useful when debugging API responses, configuration files, or third-party data inputs.

Integrating validation into your CI/CD pipeline or development tools can prevent costly bugs and reduce time spent troubleshooting data issues.