Resolving the Jolt Transformation JSON Array of Array Issue

Learn how to fix the common problem of mixing child array elements in Jolt transformations with this detailed guide.
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Understanding and Fixing Jolt Transformation Issues with JSON Arrays

When working with JSON transformations in Jolt, it's easy to encounter issues, especially if you're a newcomer to this powerful tool. One common predicament is when the child array elements of a parent array start mixing up with those of another parent. This can lead to unwanted results and confusion when processing your data. In this guide, we'll tackle the specific problem of transforming a JSON structure and provide you with a clear solution.

The Problem

Let's take a look at the scenario in question. Here's an input JSON structure that has nested arrays:

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

The expected output structure looks like this:

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

Unfortunately, the current output generated by the transformation is incorrect:

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

As you can see, elements are mixing up, which is not the desired outcome.

The Solution

The key to resolving this issue lies in correctly specifying the Jolt transformation spec. Here are the steps to fix the problem:

1. Understanding the Indexing

In Jolt transformations, the indexing is crucial. While setting the parent array (like id and name), it is correct to use [&1] to navigate one level up to the parent array. However, when you're dealing with the child elements, you need to navigate properly through their respective indices.

2. Adjusting the Jolt Spec

The original Jolt specification mistakenly attempts to access the child levels. Here's how the corrected spec should look:

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

3. Key Modifications Explained

Use of [&3]: This points up three levels to correctly align the opening times under the appropriate parent.

Grouping: The # operator is used for grouping similar elements in times.

This adjustment will ensure that each parent retains its respective child array elements.

Conclusion

By understanding the basis of indexing in Jolt transformations and correctly structuring your spec, you can prevent the mixing of child array elements. This ensures that your output JSON meets your expectations and keeps your data structured properly.

If you're ever confronted with similar problems, refer back to this guide to help streamline your JSON transformations with Jolt. Happy coding!