Comments in JSON: Workarounds, Risks, and Best Practices

JSON, with its simple and lightweight structure, has become the cornerstone of data exchange in web applications, APIs and configuration files. However, one feature that JSON lacks is native annotation support. For developers used to annotating code and data files, this limitation can be surprising and sometimes frustrating.

Why doesn’t JSON support comments?

JSON’s lack of support for annotations is not an oversight, but a deliberate design decision by its creator, Douglas Crockford. JSON was designed to be a lightweight format primarily used for data exchange between systems, with an emphasis on simplicity and machine readability. Comments are omitted to ensure that the JSON is easy to parse and free of unnecessary "noise". The lack of annotations also encourages developers to avoid embedding metadata directly in JSON files, allowing them to focus on the data itself.

The role of comments in data format

In programming and data files, comments are used as comments to explain the purpose, structure, or usage of data. This documentation is invaluable when working on complex files, sharing data among team members, or revisiting a project after some time. While comments in other formats like XML and YAML provide clear context within the file itself, JSON requires other methods to maintain clarity.

Workaround for adding comments in JSON

Although JSON lacks native annotation support, developers have devised some clever workarounds to include annotations. Here are some common methods:

• Using non-standard keys: Developers often use keys like _comment or __note to add explanations. For example:

{
  "name": "example",
  "version": "1.0",
  "_comment": "这是一个用于演示的示例 JSON 文件。"
}

While this approach works, it can cause file bloat and is not recommended for production environments.

• External documentation: Rather than embedding comments directly, document the JSON structure and purpose in a separate file or README. This approach keeps the JSON file clean and ensures compatibility with parsers.
• Temporary use of JSONC: JSONC (annotated JSON) is a variant that allows annotations, but is not compatible with the standard JSON parser. During development, you can use JSONC and then preprocess the file to remove comments.

Risks of using annotations in JSON

While workarounds can be useful, they come with their own set of challenges:

• Parser Compatibility: Many JSON parsers adhere strictly to standards and will reject files containing non-standard keys or formats.
• File size increase: Embedding comments or annotations can unnecessarily increase the size of the JSON file, which is problematic for large-scale data transfers.
• Team Confusion: Developers unfamiliar with the chosen annotation workaround may misunderstand or mishandle annotations, resulting in inconsistencies or errors.

Best practices for handling JSON comments

To reduce risk while maintaining the clarity of your JSON files, consider adopting the following best practices:

• Use annotation keys with caution: If you must use _comment fields, make sure they only exist during development and remove them before deploying the JSON file.
• Maintain external documentation: For complex or critical JSON structures, please provide detailed documentation in separate files. This ensures clarity without polluting the JSON file itself.
• Leverage development tools: Use tools that allow JSONC or pre-processed comments, such as code inspectors or build scripts that can strip comments.

Tools and libraries that support annotated JSON

Some tools and libraries support the use of JSON and annotations to make the process smoother:

• JSONC (Annotated JSON): JSONC allows the use of annotations during development. Tools like Visual Studio Code natively support JSONC for configuration files.
• Preprocessor: Tools like jq or custom scripts can preprocess JSONC files to remove comments, ensuring compatibility with standard parsers.
• Configuration management tools: Frameworks such as Node.js’s config or Python’s PyYAML provide alternatives for managing annotated configuration files.

Conclusion

JSON’s lack of native annotation support is a tradeoff between its simplicity and machine readability. However, through clever workarounds and adhering to best practices, developers can ensure compatibility while maintaining the clarity of their JSON files. By understanding the reasoning behind JSON design and leveraging the right tools, you can make your JSON files both efficient and developer-friendly.

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