itemindent

itemindent is a command-line utility designed to format JSON and YAML data with consistent indentation. It aims to improve the readability of structured data by applying uniform spacing, making it easier for developers and users to parse and understand complex configurations or data files. The tool supports various indentation levels and can be configured to handle different formatting preferences.

The primary function of itemindent is to take raw JSON or YAML input, typically read from standard input or a specified file, and output the formatted version to standard output or a new file. This is particularly useful when dealing with data that has been minified or generated by automated processes, which often results in a single-line or poorly indented structure. By applying indentation, itemindent helps to visually represent the hierarchical nature of the data.

Usage of itemindent usually involves piping data into it or providing the input file as an argument. Users can often specify the desired number of spaces for indentation, whether to use tabs, and other stylistic options. This flexibility allows it to integrate into various development workflows and adhere to specific project coding standards. The tool is commonly used in scripting, build processes, and during manual data editing to ensure data remains clean and accessible.