Merging Two JSON Files using JQ

Discover how to merge two JSON files using `jq`, perfect for AWS Lambda payloads. Learn step-by-step instructions for a seamless integration.
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Merging Two JSON Files using JQ: A Simple Guide

Combining JSON files can seem intimidating, especially when you need to work with them in contexts like AWS Lambda. In this post, we will address the issue of merging two JSON files using a powerful command-line tool called jq. Whether you're new to the command line or an experienced developer, this guide will show you how to easily achieve your desired output.

The Problem at Hand

Imagine you have two JSON files that store different pieces of information related to a product and its respective store. Here are the examples of these files:

File 1 (Product details):

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

File 2 (Store details):

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Desired Output

You want to merge these two files into one JSON object that summarizes all the information—without creating an array. The goal is to have an output that resembles this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution Using JQ

You are aware of the basic jq command to combine the files, which leads to an array. The command looks like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

However, this outputs an array of objects, which is not what you want. Instead, you need to merge the contents directly into a single object. Here's how to do it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open your Terminal: Make sure you have jq installed. You can check by typing jq --version. If it's not installed, follow the instructions specific to your operating system to install it.

Use the Following Command: To merge without creating an array, use:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here’s a breakdown of the command:

-s: This option tells jq to read both files into an array.

.[0] * .[1]: This syntax indicates that we are taking the first object from the array (File1) and merging it with the second object (File2).

Execute the Command: Run the command in your terminal. The merged output should appear as intended, combining both JSON objects seamlessly.

Conclusion

Using jq, you can easily merge JSON files into a single object without creating an unnecessary array, which is particularly useful in cases like preparing payloads for AWS Lambda. Just remember the command jq -s '.[0] * .[1]' File1 File2 when you need to combine JSON files efficiently.

If you encounter any issues or have more questions about JSON manipulation, feel free to reach out. Happy coding!