How to Insert a Static Row into JSON with jq

Discover how to easily add a static row to each dictionary in your JSON list using jq. Perfect for beginners and advanced users alike!
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How to Insert a Static Row into JSON with jq

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a widely used format for data exchange that is both easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. However, there may come a time when you need to modify your JSON data, such as adding a static row to multiple dictionaries. If you're facing a similar challenge, you've come to the right place! In this post, we’ll walk through how to insert a static row into your JSON data using jq, a powerful command-line JSON processor.

The Problem

Consider a JSON file that resembles a list of dictionaries, each containing various key-value pairs. Here’s an example of such a JSON structure:

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The Goal

You want to insert a new static field – in this case, "Title": "Example" – into each dictionary right after the opening curly bracket. The expected output would look like this:

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The Solution with jq

The tool that can help you achieve this goal effortlessly is jq. Here’s how to use it to add that static row to your JSON data.

Step-by-step Instructions

Install jq: If you haven't already, make sure you have jq installed on your system. You can usually install it via your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, you can run:

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Run the jq Command: Use the following command to insert the static row into each dictionary of your JSON file:

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Explanation:

{ "Title": "Example" } creates a new JSON object with the title.

The + .[] takes the existing arrays and merges them with the new object, effectively inserting "Title" at the beginning of each dictionary.

Saving Changes to the File: If you would like to save the result back into the file, execute the following command:

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Explanation: This command writes the output to a temporary file and then renames it, overwriting the original file.

Conclusion

Inserting a static row into a JSON file is simple and efficient with jq. By following the instructions above, you can append any static data to each dictionary in your JSON list smoothly. This tool is not only powerful but also flexible, making it a go-to for any JSON manipulation task.

So, the next time you find yourself needing to modify your JSON data, remember this handy solution and use jq to simplify your work! If you have any questions or further challenges, feel free to share in the comments below.