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How to Convert CSV to JSON Online

By JSON Editor Online Team

Step-by-step guide to converting CSV files to JSON format. Learn different methods, best practices, and common pitfalls.

Why Convert CSV to JSON?

JSON is more flexible for web APIs, supports nested data, and is easier to work with in JavaScript.

CSV vs JSON

CSV is flat, tabular data. JSON supports hierarchies and complex structures. Each has its use case.

Understanding CSV Structure

Header row defines keys. Data rows become array elements. Delimiters separate values (comma, semicolon, tab).

Conversion Methods

Online Tools

Use our CSV to JSON Converter - paste CSV, get JSON instantly. Automatic delimiter detection.

Programming Languages

JavaScript (Papa Parse), Python (csv module), Node.js libraries available.

Common Delimiter Types

Comma (,) is standard. Semicolon (;) for European formats. Tab (\t) for TSV. Pipe (|) less common.

Handling Special Cases

Quoted Values

Values with commas must be quoted. "Smith, John" prevents splitting.

Nested Data

Flatten objects with dot notation: "address.city". Or use separate columns.

Data Types

CSV treats everything as strings. Enable type detection for numbers and booleans.

Best Practices

Validate CSV structure, handle empty values, preserve data types, test with sample data.

Common Pitfalls

Wrong delimiter, missing headers, unquoted special characters, encoding issues (UTF-8 vs ASCII).

Reverse Conversion

Also convert JSON back to CSV. Works best with flat arrays of objects.

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