JSON-delta is a multi-language software suite for computing deltas between JSON-serialized data structures and applying those deltas as patches. It aims to minimize communications overhead when manipulating data structures between separate programs. The Python implementation, currently at version 2.0.2, is considered the reference implementation, though it has seen limited development activity since its last release in October 2020.
pip install json-deltaVerified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.
This quickstart demonstrates how to compute the difference (delta) between two Python dictionaries representing JSON structures and then apply that delta to the original structure to reconstruct the modified one.
Assess the project's long-term viability for your application. Consider contributing to its maintenance or evaluating alternative, more actively maintained JSON diffing libraries if long-term support is critical.
Familiarize yourself with the `json-delta` specific diff format as documented. If interoperability with RFC 6902 is required, consider using libraries explicitly designed for JSON Patch.
If full reversibility (the ability to 'unpatch' to the exact original state) is required, ensure that deleted data is stored or retrieved through other means, or consider a library that explicitly supports reversible diff formats.
Prefer using the more specific parameters (`array_align`, `compare_lengths`, `common_key_threshold`) directly to control diff behavior, rather than relying on the `minimal` parameter, especially if fine-grained control is needed.
Ensure the package is installed using `pip install json-delta` and then import it in your Python code as `import json_delta`.
Before attempting to access elements, check the type of your JSON data structure using `type()` or `isinstance()`. If it is a list, iterate over it or access elements by their integer index, rather than using dictionary methods.
Before calling `json_delta.diff()` or `json_delta.patch()`, parse your JSON string into a Python object using `import json; data_object = json.loads(json_string)`. Alternatively, use the convenience functions `json_delta.load_and_diff()` or `json_delta.load_and_patch()`, which handle the JSON parsing internally.
Ensure that all elements within the Python object you are trying to serialize are standard JSON-compatible types (strings, numbers, booleans, None, lists, or dictionaries). If custom types are present, convert them to a serializable format (e.g., a string representation) or provide a custom `default` serializer function to `json.dumps()`.
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