The Flatten operation converts nested JSON objects and arrays into a single-level JSON object. Nested object properties are combined into path-like keys using the selected separator, while array elements are represented with their numeric indexes in square brackets. For example, a nested user object containing a name property can become a single key such as user.name when the separator is a period. The operation is useful when hierarchical JSON needs to be represented as flat key-value pairs.
The operation recursively walks through objects and arrays and builds a key for each value. Object property names are joined to their parent path using the selected separator. Array elements are added using their numeric index in square brackets. For example, a customer object containing an address object with a city property becomes a key such as customer.address.city when the separator is a period. An items array containing two values becomes items[0] and items[1].
Array elements are represented by their numeric indexes in square brackets. An array under the property items produces keys such as items[0] and items[1]. If an array is at the root of the JSON document, its elements use keys such as [0] and [1]. Objects contained inside array elements continue to use the selected separator for their nested property paths.
Yes. The Flatten operation uses the Separator value provided in its operation input when joining nested object property names. For example, a period can produce a key such as user.name, while another separator can produce a different path representation. Array indexes always remain enclosed in square brackets.
The operation checks the JSON for the selected separator before flattening. If an object key already contains that separator, the resulting flat keys could become ambiguous. For example, if the separator is a period and an existing key is first.name, it may become impossible to distinguish that key from a nested structure containing a first object with a name property. To avoid permanent information loss, the operation reports an ambiguity error and does not perform the flattening.
An ambiguous separator error means that the selected separator was found inside at least one object key somewhere in the JSON structure. The Flatten operation checks nested objects and objects inside arrays as well. When such a key is found, the transformation is stopped because the selected separator could make the resulting flat representation ambiguous. Choosing a separator that does not occur in the JSON object keys allows the operation to proceed.
Empty objects and empty arrays are preserved in the flattened result. An empty object is stored at its current path as an empty object, while an empty array is stored at its current path as an empty array. They are not simply removed during the recursive flattening process.
The operation first parses the file as JSON. If the content cannot be parsed as valid JSON, Flatten reports a JSON Decode Error with the message Invalid JSON file. No flattening transformation is performed when the JSON cannot be decoded.
Flatten changes the structure by replacing nested paths with flat keys. Primitive JSON values such as strings, numbers, booleans, and null remain their corresponding values. The resulting JSON is serialized with two spaces of indentation, so the output remains formatted and readable.
Flattening can be useful when nested JSON needs to be represented as a collection of paths and values. It can make deeply nested data easier to inspect and can provide a representation suitable for workflows that work naturally with flat key-value structures. The resulting keys retain the path through nested objects and arrays, making the original location of each value visible.
Developers, data analysts, and other people working with structured JSON can use Flatten when a nested document needs a flat representation. It can help when inspecting complex JSON, working with path-like property names, or preparing a file for another step in a JSON-processing workflow.
Yes. Flatten is part of Lamuki's JSON workspace, which supports working with multiple files. Lamuki provides unlimited batch processing, allowing the operation to be applied to selected files as part of a batch workflow. You can upload individual files or an entire folder, select the files you want to process, and apply the Flatten operation.
Yes. The JSON workspace provides a complete environment for working with files, applying operations, and reviewing their results. After Flatten processes the selected files, you can continue working with them in the workspace and download the files you need from your workflow.
Yes. After Flatten completes, you can select another operation from the workspace's operation interface and continue working with the same files. You do not need to manually download and re-upload the files between operations, which makes Flatten suitable as one step in a larger JSON workflow.
Lamuki processes files directly in the user's browser. The JSON file contents are not transferred to a remote server for processing. This allows the Flatten operation to work with the files on the user's device while keeping their contents out of a remote processing service.
Yes. Lamuki is free to use and provides unlimited batch processing. Flatten is available as part of the JSON workspace, giving users a complete browser-based environment for working with JSON files and continuing their workflow with other operations.
First, make sure the file contains valid JSON. Next, choose a separator that does not occur in any object key. This prevents ambiguity in the resulting flattened keys. It is also useful to understand the array representation: array elements become indexed keys such as items[0], while nested object properties are joined using the selected separator. These rules make the resulting structure predictable before you apply the operation.
