JSON Break

JSON Break decomposes a JSON object or array one level deep. For objects, each key becomes a named output port. For arrays, each element becomes an indexed output port ([0], [1], [2], ...). The output port types are automatically detected based on the values (float, int, string, bool, json).

When the input structure changes shape (keys added or removed), ports update dynamically. A ghost port mechanism preserves existing cable connections even when a key temporarily disappears, so reconnection is not needed if the key returns.

The Clean Ports input removes ghost (disconnected, stale) ports when set to true, forcing a fresh port layout.

JSON strings are automatically parsed — if you connect a raw JSON text string, it will be deserialized before breaking.

Break an object:

Input: {"x": 1.0, "y": 2.5, "name": "point"}

Creates three output ports:

• x (float): 1.0
• y (float): 2.5
• name (string): "point"

Break an array:

Input: [10, 20, 30]

Creates three output ports:

• [0] (int): 10
• [1] (int): 20
• [2] (int): 30

Nested values stay as JSON:

Input: {"position": {"x": 0, "y": 1}, "tags": ["a", "b"]}

Creates two output ports:

• position (json): {"x": 0, "y": 1}
• tags (json): ["a", "b"]

Nested structures remain as JSON — chain another JSON Break or use JSON Get for deeper access.

• Decomposing OSC or TCP message payloads into individual values
• Extracting fields from parsed JSON data for use by other nodes
• Splitting a configuration object into separate control signals
• Breaking apart EEG electrode data objects into per-channel streams

• JSON Break only goes one level deep. For nested access, chain multiple JSON Break nodes or use JSON Get with a path.
• Key order from the input is preserved in the output port layout (when using OrderedJSON sources).
• Ghost ports keep your cables intact when the data structure fluctuates. Enable Clean Ports only when you want to reset the layout.
• If the input is a raw JSON string, it is automatically parsed — no need for a separate JSON Parse node.
• Port types are detected automatically: numbers become float or int, text becomes string, true/false becomes bool, and nested structures become json.