jq Playground

A playground for the jq command-line JSON processor.

JSON Input

jq Filter

Output

jq is a lightweight command-line JSON processor that lets you slice, filter, map, and transform structured data with ease. This playground brings that power to the browser so you can experiment with jq filters against your own JSON without installing anything.

How to Use jq Filters

Paste your JSON data into the top input area and type a jq filter in the field below. The output updates in real time as you type. Use the Load Example button to see a sample dataset and filter that demonstrates selecting users by age.

Click Generate with AI to describe what you want to extract in plain English (e.g., “get the names of all users older than 30”) and the AI will write the filter for you. The cheat sheet below lists the most common operators with examples.

Filters are evaluated server-side using the Go jq implementation, so they follow standard jq syntax exactly. Chain operators with the pipe character (|) and use select() to filter elements based on conditions.

About jq

`jq` is a lightweight and flexible command-line JSON processor. It's like `sed` for JSON data – you can use it to slice, filter, map, and transform structured data with ease. It's an invaluable tool for anyone who works with APIs or JSON files.

jq Cheat Sheet

Operator	Description	Example
`.`	Identity: outputs the entire input JSON.	`.`
`.foo`	Object Identifier: extracts the value of the "foo" key.	`.users`
`.[]`	Array Iterator: outputs each element of an array.	`.users[]`
`\|`	Pipe: chains filters together, passing the output of one to the input of the next.	`.users[] \| .name`
`select(foo)`	Select: keeps only the elements for which the expression `foo` is true.	`select(.age > 25)`
`map(foo)`	Map: applies the filter `foo` to each element of an array.	`map({name, city})`
`{key: .val}`	Object Construction: creates a new JSON object.	`{userName: .name}`

Frequently Asked Questions

What is jq?

jq is a lightweight command-line JSON processor that uses a concise filter language to slice, map, and transform structured JSON data.

How do I use the jq playground?

Paste JSON data in the left panel, write a jq filter expression in the input field, and the transformed output appears in the right panel in real time.

What jq features are supported?

The playground supports most jq built-in filters including object/array access, iteration (.[]), select(), map(), reduce, string interpolation, and built-in functions.

Can I use this to learn jq?

Yes. The playground is ideal for experimenting with jq syntax. Try common patterns like .key, .[].name, select(.age > 30), and {name: .first} to see results instantly.

Is this playground free?

Yes, ToolDock's jq playground is completely free, requires no signup, and runs entirely in your browser.

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How to Use jq Filters

About jq

Frequently Asked Questions

What is jq?

How do I use the jq playground?

What jq features are supported?

Can I use this to learn jq?

Is this playground free?

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How to Use jq Filters

About jq