jq

Overview

jq is ranked #2 of 36 in data transformation tools on Specifiction. It runs on Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Web, Windows. There is a free plan.

Compared on data transformation tools

Free plan

Yesjqlang.org

Facts

Purpose

jq is a lightweight and flexible command-line JSON processor.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Data operations

jq can slice, filter, map and transform JSON data.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Implementation

jq is written in portable C and has zero runtime dependencies.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Binary portability

A single jq binary can be copied to another machine of the same type and run.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Filter model

A jq program is a filter that takes an input and produces an output, and filters can be combined.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Streaming

jq reads whitespace-separated JSON values and writes newline-separated JSON output.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Large inputs

The --stream option parses input incrementally and is useful for very large inputs.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Output controls

jq provides options for compact, raw, ASCII, sorted-key and colored output.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Desktop platforms

Official standalone executables are available for Linux, macOS and Windows.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Package integrations

jq is available through Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE, Arch, Homebrew, MacPorts, Fink, winget, Scoop and Chocolatey.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Container

A jq Docker image is available from GitHub Container Registry.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Source builds

jq can be built from source on Linux, macOS, Cygwin and other POSIX-like operating systems.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Artifact verification

Release binaries have SHA-256 checksums and signed release artifacts with jq release keys.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Security reporting

The jqlang/jq repository has GitHub private vulnerability disclosure enabled.github.com · 1 Oct 2026

Support

The project directs users to Stack Overflow, the jq tag, Libera.Chat and Discord for questions and discussion.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Licensing

jq code is licensed under MIT and its documentation under CC-BY-3.0.jqlang.org · 1 Oct 2026

Data handling

jq processes streams of JSON values, with each expression running on each input value and producing zero or more outputs.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

Transformations

jq filters can select data, access nested attributes, build objects, and collect results into arrays.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

Output format

JSON values in jq streams are serialized with whitespace separators, so streams can be joined together.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

Platforms

The download page links standalone executables for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and describes building jq for nearly any platform.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

Distribution

The download page lists installation through Linux distribution repositories, Homebrew, MacPorts, Fink, winget, Scoop, and Chocolatey.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

Security

SHA-256 checksums are provided for release and pre-release binaries, and release artifacts are signed by a jq release key.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

License

jq code is licensed under the MIT license, while its documentation is licensed under CC-BY-3.0.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

Release

The project news page lists jq 1.8.2 as released on June 20, 2026.jqlang.org · 2 Oct 2026

Maintainers

The jqlang organization says it is the canonical source for the C implementation of jq and that new maintainers were recruited.github.com · 2 Oct 2026

Where it ranks on Specifiction

• Best Data Transformation Tools in 2026#2 of 36
• Best JSON Tools in 2026#1 of 29

Sources

• jqlang.org· checked 1 Oct 2026
• jqlang.org/manual/v1.8/· checked 1 Oct 2026
• jqlang.org/download/· checked 1 Oct 2026
• github.com/jqlang/jq/security· checked 1 Oct 2026
• jqlang.org/tutorial/· checked 2 Oct 2026
• github.com/jqlang· checked 2 Oct 2026