What is Newline Delimited JavaScript Object Notation (NDJSON)

NDJSON (short for Newline Delimited JSON) is a lightweight data format designed for storing and sharing large amounts of structured information. Unlike standard JSON, which wraps everything in brackets and commas, NDJSON separates each record with a line break.

This makes it easier to stream, parse, and process one record at a time, which is ideal for working with big datasets like product catalogs, logs, or feed updates.

A brief history

NDJSON started as a developer workaround for handling large datasets. Traditional JSON formats can be bulky and hard to parse in real time. By the 2010s, NDJSON had gained traction in data science, log processing, and API responses: anywhere fast, line-by-line processing was needed.

In ecommerce, the rise of multichannel selling created more demand for lightweight, flexible feed formats. NDJSON became popular for syncing product data across platforms and for sending regular updates to retail partners and integrations that need to process large volumes of product information quickly.

Good to know

NDJSON is perfect for frequent product updates because each line is its own record, making it easy to sync changes without reloading your entire catalog.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is NDJSON different from regular JSON?
Regular JSON wraps everything into one big array or object. NDJSON breaks that apart: each line is its own JSON object. It’s better for large datasets or streaming because systems can read one line at a time.
Why use NDJSON for product data?
NDJSON is great for product data because it’s compact and fast. NDJSON works well for product feeds that need to be updated often, sent to multiple channels, or imported/exported without delay. Many PIM and feed tools (like Plytix) use it behind the scenes.
Can I open NDJSON in Excel?
You can’t open NDJSON in Excel directly, but you can convert NDJSON to CSV or a regular JSON array using online tools or scripts. If you're working with large data, it’s better to use code or a tool built to handle it.
Is NDJSON a standard format?
NDJSON isn’t a formal standard like XML, but it’s widely used and supported by many data tools, APIs, and ecommerce platforms. You’ll often find it in documentation for feeds, exports, or logging systems.
Can I use tools or AI to write NDJSON?
Both AI and dedicated tools can help you write NDJSON. You can use most code editors (like VS Code or Sublime Text) to write NDJSON, just remember that each line needs to be valid JSON. There are also command-line tools and scripts (like with Python or jq) that make it easy to convert standard JSON arrays into NDJSON format. And yes, AI tools like ChatGPT can generate it too. Just ask for each record on a new line.