JSON to Shell/Bash Converter
Convert JSON to Shell/Bash variable declarations for shell scripting
JSON Input
Shell/Bash Output
What Is JSON to Shell/Bash?
Shell scripts use variables and associative arrays for configuration. Tools like jq parse JSON dynamically in bash. This tool generates shell variable declarations from your JSON so you can embed static config or sample data directly in scripts. The JSON specification defines the input format.
Conversion runs in your browser. Set the variable prefix in the config panel. Nothing is sent to a server. For dynamic JSON parsing at runtime, use jq or grep with the JSON. This tool is for generating static variable assignments from known JSON.
How to Use This Tool
Paste or Upload JSON
Paste your JSON or upload a file. Set the variable prefix in the config panel.
Review the Shell Output
The right panel shows generated shell variable assignments. Use jq for dynamic JSON parsing in scripts.
Copy or Download
Use Copy or Download. For formatting JSON first, use the JSON Formatter. For validation, use the JSON Validator.
JSON to Shell Examples
Here is an example of generating shell variables from a JSON object.
Example: Subscriber record
JSON input:
Generated shell output:
When JSON to Shell Helps
When writing deployment scripts, CI/CD pipelines, or automation that needs config values from JSON, converting to shell variables lets you source the output and use $VAR in your script. For API responses or dynamic JSON, use jq at runtime. This tool is useful when you have static JSON (e.g. from a config file) and want to embed it as shell variables. For Windows, use JSON to PowerShell instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bash vs POSIX shell?
Generated output uses common shell syntax. For associative arrays, bash 4+ is required. POSIX sh has limited support. Use jq for portable JSON handling in any shell.
When should I use jq instead?
Use jq when the JSON is dynamic (e.g. from an API or file that changes). Use this tool when you have static JSON and want to embed it as variables for sourcing in a script.
Is my data private?
Yes. Generation runs entirely in your browser. No JSON or code is sent to any server.
Special characters in values?
Values with spaces, quotes, or special chars should be quoted. The generator typically handles this. Check the output and escape as needed for your shell.
Can I use this in GitHub Actions?
Yes. GitHub Actions runs bash. You can use the generated variables in workflow steps. For parsing JSON from step outputs, use jq or the built-in fromJson.