JSONnets

JSONnet is a data templating language that extends JSON. It aims to make it easier to manage complex and deeply nested configuration data, particularly in the context of distributed systems and microservices. Developed by Google, JSONnet provides features like functions, variables, inheritance, and code generation, which are not present in standard JSON. This allows for more dynamic and reusable configuration files.

The core idea behind JSONnet is to treat configuration as code. This enables developers to avoid repetitive data structures and apply DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principles to their configurations. For example, common settings can be defined once and then inherited or referenced in multiple places, reducing the chance of errors and simplifying maintenance. JSONnet supports modularity through the `import` keyword, allowing configurations to be broken down into smaller, manageable files.

JSONnet is designed to be evaluated into standard JSON. This means that any tool or system that can consume JSON can also consume JSONnet output. It compiles down to JSON, making it compatible with existing workflows. The language also has features for handling environments and secrets, further enhancing its utility in complex deployment scenarios. Its adoption is growing in areas like Kubernetes configuration management and cloud infrastructure provisioning.