How to compare two JSON files

When a comparison helps

Comparing two JSON documents is useful when you check an API response before and after a change, review a configuration edit, or confirm that an export matches what you expected.

How the comparison works

Objects are compared by key, so the order of keys does not count as a difference. Arrays are compared by position, so adding an item at the start makes every later item look changed.

Each change is listed with its path, such as /items/0/name, so you can find the exact value in either document.

Get readable results

Format both documents first so the structure lines up. If an array has the same items in a different order, sort both arrays by an id field before you compare them.

Values are compared exactly. The number 1 and the string "1" are different values, and the tool reports them as a change.