gojq

gojq is a jq-style query tool for JSON, with a command-line interface and a library for Go applications. It is best suited to developers who want YAML support or query integration in Go software. Its main appeal is portability and flexible reuse; jq-dependent workflows should check its compatibility gaps first.

Overview

The CLI filters data, selects fields, makes updates, and accepts multiple input values. YAML input and output extend it to workflows that move between JSON and YAML. Written in Go, gojq is positioned as portable and can be installed through Homebrew, mise, Zero Install, source builds, or Docker images. That range makes it practical across Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted environments.

Compatibility is the key trade-off. gojq does not preserve object key order, so it lacks keys_unsorted and --sort-keys. It also rejects jq's NaN, Infinity, and leading-zero number extensions, and differs on some regular-expression syntax, functions, and flags. It is a sound choice when its supported query behavior fits the job, but scripts that depend on those jq-specific details need a different tool or careful adjustment.

Key features

Queries and number handling

jq-style queries cover filtering, field selection, and updates. Integer addition, subtraction, multiplication, modulo, and divisible division support arbitrary precision, avoiding fixed-width limits in those operations. The benefit has boundaries: mathematical functions such as floor and round convert integers to floating-point numbers, so calculations using them do not retain that same precision.

YAML and Go integration

YAML input and output help when data moves between JSON-oriented tools and YAML files. Go applications can parse input, run queries, compile queries for reuse, and add custom functions and iterators. For library callers, arrays and maps must use Go's []any and map[string]any types. Environment variables are inaccessible to queries by default, a useful security boundary that can be relaxed through a configured environment loader; module loading is also off by default and requires a module loader.

Execution and safety

Library queries can produce an infinite stream of values or run without returning output. Applications that run untrusted or potentially unbounded queries should use RunWithContext to set an execution time limit. This makes gojq embeddable, but puts responsibility for controlling runtime on the host application.

Pricing

gojq is free at free. The Free plan includes the CLI and Go library, and the software is open source under the MIT License. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against the free offering, making it accessible for both personal scripts and commercial Go applications.

Platforms

gojq supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use. Its Go implementation and installation routes, including package managers, source builds, and Docker images, suit developers who need to fit a query tool into different development or deployment environments.

Who it's for

Choose gojq if you need jq-style JSON queries in a portable CLI, want YAML input or output, or are embedding queries in a Go product. Its arbitrary-precision integer operations are useful where those calculations matter. Look elsewhere if your scripts rely on jq's unsupported flags, functions, number extensions, key-order behavior, or regular-expression syntax; those differences can affect both results and command compatibility.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The CLI and Go library are both included in the free MIT-licensed software, so the same query approach can serve command-line and embedded use.
• Pro: YAML input and output, multiple JSON input values, and portable installation options cover varied data workflows and environments.
• Pro: Several integer operations use arbitrary precision, avoiding fixed-width limits for addition, subtraction, multiplication, modulo, and divisible division.
• Con: Missing functions and flags, unsupported numeric extensions, key-order differences, and regular-expression differences can break assumptions in jq-based scripts.
• Con: Some mathematical functions convert integers to floating point, limiting where arbitrary precision applies.
• Con: Go library callers must use specific input types and should impose a runtime limit on queries that may not finish.

Alternatives

jq is the direct alternative for users who need jq itself, including its standalone binaries for Linux, macOS, and Windows. jaq is another free, MIT-licensed command-line program with a Rust library if Rust better fits the project. jless is a free command-line tool for macOS and Linux. gron offers a free option with no runtime dependencies and binary downloads for Linux, Mac, Windows, and FreeBSD. Dadroit JSON Viewer is a freemium choice for readers who want to open JSON files and convert them to CSV or XML, with its non-commercial plan capped at 50 MB. BracketView is another freemium option, with a free plan that caps uploads at 5 MB and limits snapshots, AI actions, and webhook use. jidoujisho is a free Android option. For browser-based editing and Markdown preview, JSON OS is a free web option. Browse more options in JSON Tools.

Verdict

Choose gojq if you want a free, portable jq-style CLI with YAML support or need to run queries inside a Go application. Its combination of command-line and library use is the strongest reason to pick it. Choose another tool when exact jq compatibility matters, or when your application cannot safely bound query execution.