Jsonly Compare

Paste two JSON documents to compare common and different properties.

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JSON A
JSON B

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Right Files

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Common Properties

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Different Properties

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JSON Compare Guide

JSON Compare Guide

This compare tool helps you identify what changed between two JSON inputs, including missing keys, changed values, and structural differences across nested objects and arrays.

What This Tool Does

What This Tool Does

  • Compares two pasted JSON documents path by path.
  • Compares JSON files and ZIP bundles in file mode.
  • Separates common properties from different properties.
  • Highlights input differences for quick visual inspection.
  • Supports copy and download of comparison results.
How To Use It

How To Use It

  1. Choose Text Comparison or File Comparison mode.
  2. Provide left and right JSON inputs (or files).
  3. Click Compare JSON to generate common and different sets.
  4. Use Compare + Highlight Input to mark changed lines in both editors.
  5. Use results filters to focus on common or different values only.
Underlying Concepts

Underlying Concepts

JSON comparison works by flattening nested structures into key paths, then checking whether both sides have the same path and equivalent value. Missing paths are reported as not found, and changed values are shown side by side for direct review.

Practical Examples

Practical Examples

Example 1: API Response Regression

{"user":{"id":7,"status":"active"}}
{"user":{"id":7,"status":"disabled"}}

Use Different Only view to quickly isolate changed status values.

Example 2: Missing Key Detection

{"feature":{"enabled":true,"rollout":50}}
{"feature":{"enabled":true}}

The missing rollout key appears in differences as not found on one side.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Comparing invalid JSON and assuming differences are tool errors.
  • Ignoring array order when order itself changed meaningfully.
  • Comparing formatted and minified text without validating both first.
  • Forgetting to switch to file mode before uploading files.
  • Renaming left/right labels after compare without re-running analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I compare two large JSON payloads?

Yes. Use show full input and different-only results to focus on changes.

2. Can I compare files with the same names from two folders?

Yes. File mode matches by file name and compares left versus right entries.

3. Why do I see File not found in results?

That file exists on one side but is missing on the other side.

4. Does this tool ignore whitespace differences?

JSON is parsed before compare, so formatting whitespace does not affect value equality.

5. How are arrays compared?

Arrays are compared as values on their owning path, including order and content.

6. Can I copy only different properties?

Yes. Use Copy Different to copy the different-properties payload.

7. Can I download compare output?

Yes. Use Download Result to save the full comparison JSON.

8. What does Compare + Highlight Input do?

It compares and highlights differing lines directly in both input editors.

9. Is the comparison performed server-side?

No. It runs in your browser.

10. Can I keep a history of comparisons?

Yes. Enable history and save snapshots locally in your browser.