If you work with JSON a lot, learn jq.

Seriously

Isn't it that json-centric query language? If so, can you give me a compelling reason not to just use a good json decoder and examine the resulting data structure directly?

@Hedgepig damn right! jq will save you from om yourself.

When you have stupidly large json where loading into a text editor or json viewer is impractical jq can help you get at a nested document you need.

Depends what you're trying to do @Zaphod65. For long term solutions and complex scenarios it won't beat whatever language you use + some json library.

Where it excels is creating quick and composable commands that can query and modify the schema with quite a high degree of intuitiveness.

I'm somehow doubtful you'll be convinced by my arguments so my advice is to try it, I found it surprisingly easy to learn enough to make it useful.

Favorited, never say no to automation!

no

definitely a yes!