.NDJSON File Extension
What is an NDJSON file?
The .NDJSON file extension represents Newline Delimited JSON (NDJSON), a format for organizing data into a structured, line-by-line format using JSON (JavaScript Object Notation).
NDJSON is designed for ease of streaming, processing, and handling large amounts of structured data. It’s especially useful in scenarios where data needs to be processed incrementally or in real-time.
More Information.
The concept of newline-delimited JSON dates back to the early 2010s, as the need for scalable data formats became more apparent with the growth of big data and real-time data processing. NDJSON was created to facilitate data streaming and incremental processing by allowing each line of the file to be a separate JSON object.
This approach contrasts with traditional JSON files, where the entire file is a single JSON array or object, which can be cumbersome for large datasets.
The initial purpose of NDJSON was to provide a simple and efficient way to handle large volumes of JSON data without requiring complex parsing mechanisms.
It is particularly useful in scenarios like log files, streaming APIs, and data processing pipelines, where handling data line by line is beneficial.
Origin Of This File.
NDJSON is a specialized format that emerged as a variant of JSON to address the need for handling large datasets efficiently.
JSON itself has been widely used since its introduction in the early 2000s, becoming a standard format for data interchange on the web.
NDJSON was introduced as a solution to the limitations of standard JSON, particularly in scenarios where data is too large to fit into memory or needs to be processed line by line.
File Structure Technical Specification.
An NDJSON file consists of multiple JSON objects, each separated by a newline character. Unlike traditional JSON files that typically contain a single JSON object or array, an NDJSON file’s structure is inherently flat, with each line representing a separate JSON object.
Technical Specification
- Encoding: NDJSON files are encoded in UTF-8, ensuring compatibility with various systems and applications.
- Delimiter: Each JSON object is separated by a newline (
\n) character. - Line Handling: Each line is parsed independently as a JSON object, making it suitable for streaming and incremental processing.
- No Hierarchical Structure: Unlike traditional JSON, NDJSON does not support hierarchical structures in a single file. Each line must be a complete JSON object.
How to Convert the File?
Converting NDJSON files to other formats or structures typically involves transforming the line-separated JSON objects into a different JSON representation or another data format. Here are some common conversion methods:
1. To Compact JSON Format:
- Python: You can use Python scripts with libraries such as
jsonto read the NDJSON file, aggregate the objects into a list, and then write the list to a compact JSON file. - Command Line Tools: Tools like
jqcan be used to process NDJSON files and convert them to other JSON formats.
2. To CSV Format:
- Python: Use the
pandaslibrary to read NDJSON, convert it into a DataFrame, and then save it as a CSV file. - Online Converters: There are online tools available that can convert NDJSON files to CSV format.
3. To Other Formats:
- Depending on the target format, you might need specific tools or scripts to handle the conversion. For example, converting NDJSON to XML might require a custom script or a specialized converter tool.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Efficient Processing: NDJSON allows for incremental processing of data, making it suitable for handling large datasets that cannot fit into memory.
- Streamable: Since each line is a standalone JSON object, NDJSON files can be processed in a streaming fashion, which is ideal for real-time data processing.
- Simplicity: The format is straightforward and easy to implement. Parsing an NDJSON file is as simple as reading each line and decoding it as a JSON object.
- Compatibility: NDJSON is compatible with standard JSON parsers and tools, making it easy to integrate into existing systems.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of Hierarchical Structure: NDJSON does not support nested or hierarchical JSON structures within a single file. Each line must be a separate JSON object, which can be limiting for certain applications.
- No Metadata: NDJSON does not include metadata or schema information, which can be useful for understanding the context and structure of the data.
- File Size: While NDJSON is efficient for incremental processing, the file size can still be large if not managed properly. It requires careful handling to ensure performance remains optimal.
How to Open NDJSON?
Open In Windows
- Text Editors: NDJSON files can be opened in text editors like Notepad++, Sublime Text, or VS Code. These editors allow you to view and edit the file line by line.
- Programming Tools: Use scripting languages like Python or Node.js to process NDJSON files.
Open In Linux
- Text Editors: Similar to macOS, use text editors like
nano,vim, or graphical editors like VS Code to open NDJSON files. - Command-Line: Use tools like
cat,less, orgrepfor viewing and processing NDJSON files directly from the command line.
Open In MAC
- Text Editors: Text editors like TextEdit, Sublime Text, and VS Code support NDJSON files. They provide a user-friendly interface for viewing and editing.
- Terminal: Use command-line tools such as
catorlessto view the file in the Terminal.
