Convert json to csv in seconds with jq

converting json to csv in seconds with `jq`: a comprehensive tutorial

`jq` is a powerful and flexible command-line json processor. it's incredibly useful for transforming json data into various formats, including csv. this tutorial will provide a deep dive into using `jq` to convert json to csv, covering basic techniques, advanced scenarios, and best practices.

**why use `jq` for json to csv conversion?**

* **speed:** `jq` is written in c and optimized for performance. it can process large json files much faster than scripting solutions in python or other interpreted languages.
* **flexibility:** `jq`'s query language allows you to extract and transform json data with fine-grained control. you can select specific fields, filter data, and manipulate values before outputting them to csv.
* **portability:** `jq` is available on most unix-like systems (linux, macos) and windows, making it a portable solution.
* **command-line integration:** `jq` integrates seamlessly with shell scripting, allowing you to easily incorporate json to csv conversion into your data pipelines.
* **minimal dependencies:** `jq` has few dependencies, making it easy to install and maintain.

**installation**

before we begin, you need to install `jq`. here's how to install it on different operating systems:

* **linux (debian/ubuntu):**

* **linux (centos/rhel):**

* **macos (homebrew):**

* **windows (chocolatey):**


**basic conversion: single json object**

let's start with a simple json object:

to convert this to csv, we need to extract the values and format them as a comma-separated string. here's a basic `jq` command:

let's break down this command:

* `jq`: invokes the `jq` command.
* `-r`: raw output. this prevents `jq` from quoting the output strings, which is necessary for creating valid csv.
* `'...'`: the `jq` query.
* `["name", "age", "city"]`: creates an array of keys to be used as csv headers.
* `(., map( . as $k | .[ $k ] ))`: this is the core of the ...

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