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jless

jless.io

Free plan macOSLinux
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Spec score 8.4 #7 of 29 in JSON Tools

What it is

jless is a free command-line viewer for reading and exploring JSON and YAML on macOS and Linux. It formats JSON with indentation and syntax highlighting, and lets users open or close objects and arrays using vim-inspired commands. Search supports both full-text and regular-expression queries. jless reads files or standard input, including newline-delimited JSON; it can detect YAML from a file extension or read it with the --yaml flag. YAML comments and anchors are not shown. Users can copy values, keys, and paths to the system clipboard, or print them in the terminal, including a jq-style path for the focused node. It does not provide jq querying. Data mode gives a streamlined view, while line mode shows formatted JSON. Installation choices include Homebrew, MacPorts, Linux package managers, Cargo, downloadable binaries, and building from source with Rust. The project is MIT-licensed and available as a standalone binary. Its maker suggests it for exploring external APIs or debugging request payloads.

Spec sheet

Purpose
jless is a command-line viewer for reading, exploring, and searching JSON data.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Intended users
The project suggests using jless to explore external APIs or debug request payloads.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Platforms
The site lists macOS and Linux support and links to binaries for multiple architectures.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
License
The project is released under the MIT License.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker
The jless site credits its creator as CodeIsTheEnd.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Clipboard
Commands can copy values, keys, and paths to the system clipboard, and print commands can display them in the terminal.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Clipboard and printing
Commands can copy or print values, keys, and paths, including unescaped string contents.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Configuration limit
The releases page says jless does not yet support a configuration file.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Display
It pretty-prints JSON and applies syntax highlighting.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Formatting
It pretty-prints JSON and applies syntax highlighting.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Input
jless can read files or JSON from standard input, including newline-delimited JSON.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Input formats
It reads files or standard input, supports newline-delimited JSON, and can display YAML.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Install options
The site lists Homebrew, MacPorts, Arch Linux, Void Linux, NetBSD, FreeBSD, Cargo, and downloadable binaries as installation options.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Installation
Installation options include Homebrew, MacPorts, Linux package managers, and building from source with Rust.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
jq integration
The user guide describes copying or printing a jq-style path for the currently focused node.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Linux clipboard dependency
Building clipboard access from source on Linux requires X11 libraries.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Modes
Data mode provides a streamlined view, and line mode displays pretty-printed JSON.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Navigation
Objects and arrays can be expanded or collapsed, with vim-inspired commands for exploring data.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Notable limitation
The releases page says jless does not yet support a configuration file.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Search
It supports full-text regular-expression search, including navigation between values with the same object key.Read 9 Oct 2026 · jless.io
Standalone binary
The GitHub README says jless is written in Rust and can be installed as a single standalone binary.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Supported platforms
The site says jless currently supports macOS and Linux.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io
YAML
It can read YAML by detecting the file extension or with the --yaml flag; YAML comments and anchors are not displayed.Read 8 Oct 2026 · jless.io

Plans and prices

Free Free MIT-licensed command-line tool · macOS and Linux Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every jless plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Reads files, standard input, and newline-delimited JSON.
  • Supports YAML as well as JSON.
  • Searches with full-text and regular expressions.
  • Copies or prints values, keys, and paths.
  • Free and released under the MIT License.

Limits

  • Available only for macOS and Linux.
  • Does not support jq querying.
  • Does not yet support a configuration file.
  • Linux source builds need X11 libraries for clipboard access.

Who it suits

jless suits people who want to inspect JSON or YAML from the command line, including those exploring external APIs or debugging request payloads. It is for macOS and Linux users who prefer vim-inspired navigation.

Verdict

jless offers a focused set of command-line tools for inspecting structured data, including YAML display, search, and path copying. Consider its lack of a configuration file and jq querying if those matter to your workflow.

Where Specifiction places it

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