Read JSON File Using JavaScript
Last Updated : 03 May, 2025
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight format used for storing and exchanging data. In JavaScript, there are multiple ways to read and parse JSON files. These methods can be used both in browser environments and in Node.js.
1. Using the fetch() API
The fetch() API retrieves JSON files asynchronously and parses them into JavaScript objects.
Syntax
fetch('sample.json')
.then(response => response.json()) // Parse JSON
.then(data => console.log(data)) // Work with JSON data
.catch(error => console.error('Error fetching JSON:', error));- Create a sample.json file with the desired data.
- Use fetch("sample.json"), then parse the response with .json().
- Handle the data or display it, using .catch() for errors.
HTML <html> <head></head> <body> <script> function fetchJSONData() { fetch('./sample.json') .then(response => { if (!response.ok) { throw new Error(`HTTP error! Status: ${response.status}`); } return response.json(); }) .then(data => console.log(data)) .catch(error => console.error('Failed to fetch data:', error)); } fetchJSONData(); </script> </body> </html> //sample.json { "users": [ { "site": "GeeksForGeeks", "user": "Shobhit" } ] } Output
Using the fetch() API to Read JSON Files 2. Using require() Method in Node.js
In a Node.js environment, require() is a simple way to read JSON files synchronously.
Syntax
const data = require('./sample.json');
console.log(data);- Create the JSON file (sample.json).
- Use require() to import the JSON data.
- Log or manipulate the data.
JavaScript // Node.js example const data = require('./sample.json'); console.log(data); //sample.json { "users": [ { "site": "GeeksForGeeks", "user": "Shobhit" } ] } 
Using require() Method in Node.js3. Using the import Statement for ES Modules
In modern JavaScript (ES Modules), use import ... assert { type: 'json' } to load JSON asynchronously in Node.js (v17+) and supported browsers.
Syntax
import jsonData from './path/to/jsonFile.json' assert { type: 'json' };
console.log(jsonData);- Enable ES Modules with .mjs or type: "module" in package.json.
- Use import ... assert { type: 'json' } and process the data.
HTML <html> <head></head> <body> <h1>JSON Import Example</h1> <p>Check your console for fetched data.</p> <script type="module"> import jsonData from './sample.json' assert { type: 'json' }; console.log(jsonData); </script> </body> </html> //sample.json { "name": "Johina", "age": 30, "profession": "Developer" } Output
{
"name": "Johina",
"age": 30,
"profession": "Developer"
}- Browser compatibility :ES Modules with the import syntax are supported in modern browsers.
- Node.js compatibility :Requires Node.js v17 or higher with appropriate module settings.
Using the import Statement for ES Modules