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jq

Agent-readyData & DBData

JSON processing, apis, and agent output parsing from the terminal.

JSON processing, apis, and agent output parsing from the terminal. Built by jqlang. Supports structured output — good for scripts and agents.

Task fit

json processing, apis, and agent output parsing from the terminal.

Lane

Inspect schemas, run safe queries, and understand your data fast.

Operator brief

Use jq for json processing, apis, and agent output parsing from the terminal.

Run `cat package.json | jq '.scripts'` and see what comes back.

Repository family

jqlang

First trust check

jq responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

Safe first loop

Install, verify, then run one real command.

Safe database loop

Install command

$ brew install jq

Operator pack

Copy or export the working notes for this CLI before handing it to an agent.

Verify

$ jq --version

jq responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

First real command

$ cat package.json | jq '.scripts'

First steps

  1. 01Install jq.
  2. 02Run `jq --version` first.
  3. 03Start with `cat package.json | jq '.scripts'`.
  4. 04Install a CLI that matches your database engine.

When to use / hold off when

Best for

json processing, apis, and agent output parsing from the terminal.

Use this when

You want data processing you can script with structured output.

Hold off when

You don't work with data processing.

Trust and constraints

automation-ready100/100
Install readyAutomation-ready
JSON outputYes
Non-interactiveYes
CI-friendlyYes

Why operators pick it

  • jq fits data & db well, especially for json processing, apis, and agent output parsing from the terminal.
  • 69,327 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Good for scripts and agents.

Constraints

  • Run the verify command first.

Repository context

Other CLIs in this family

This is the only CLI surfaced from this family right now.

Facts and links

Install withbrew
Homebrew installs (30d)69.3K
GitHub stars33.9K
LicenseNOASSERTION
UpdatedMar 15, 2026