JSON Input

C Output

What Is JSON to C?

Integrating a REST API or reading a config file in C means you need struct definitions that match your JSON shape — and writing them by hand for a deeply nested payload is a real time sink. This tool reads your JSON (as defined by ECMA-404) and outputs typedef struct definitions you can drop straight into a C project. It follows the key/value mapping that libraries like cJSON and json-c expect, and stays true to the RFC 8259 JSON standard. Everything runs in your browser — no uploads, no servers, safe for production data.'ve ever had to hand-write C structs from a REST API response or a config file, you know how tedious it gets — especially when the JSON has 20+ fields. C has no native JSON types, so libraries like json-c or cJSON parse JSON at runtime into trees. This tool skips the manual work — paste your JSON, get typedef struct definitions instantly. The JSON specification on json.org defines the format. See also RFC 8259 for the official JSON standard.

Conversion runs in your browser. Set the struct name in the config panel. Nothing is sent to a server. The generated structs work with C projects. For C++, use JSON to C++ for classes and std::vector.

How to Use This Tool

1

Paste or Upload JSON

Paste your JSON or upload a file. Set the struct name in the config panel. Invalid JSON will show an error. Use the JSON Validator to check syntax first.

2

Review the C Output

The right panel shows generated C structs. Use cJSON or json-c to parse JSON and populate these structs. You must manage memory when populating strings and arrays.

3

Copy or Download

Use Copy or Download. For formatting JSON first, use the JSON Formatter. For validation, use the JSON Validator.

JSON to C Examples

Here is an example of generating C structs from a JSON object.

Example: Subscriber record

JSON input:

Input

Generated C output:

Output

When JSON to C Helps

When writing embedded systems, firmware, or legacy C code that consumes REST APIs or config files, you need struct definitions for the JSON. Pasting a sample here gives you C structs you can use with cJSON or json-c. Manually writing structs for complex nested JSON is error-prone; this tool infers the structure from your sample. For pulling out specific values first, use jq.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert JSON to a C struct?

Paste your JSON above and the tool generates typedef struct definitions immediately. Use cJSON or json-c to parse JSON at runtime and populate these structs.

Which JSON library should I use for C?

cJSON is a single-header library ideal for embedded. json-c suits Unix/Linux projects.

Is my JSON data private?

Yes. All conversion happens in your browser. No data is sent to any server — safe for production payloads or API tokens.

Can I use the generated structs in embedded systems?

Absolutely. The generated structs are plain C89/C99 compatible. cJSON was specifically designed for constrained embedded environments.

How are nested JSON objects handled?

Nested objects become nested typedef struct declarations. Arrays become pointer types. You control memory allocation (stack, heap, or static).

Related Tools

cJSON. json-c. JSON spec. MDN JSON. RFC 8259.