Chapter 1: Introduction to CSV to JSON Conversion

In my exploration of Python and the Google Ads API for automating keyword planning, I encountered a sizable CSV file that I needed to transform into a structured JSON format. To facilitate this conversion, I crafted a quick Python script that I’m excited to share with you.

While working with CSV files in Python is straightforward, my goal was to convert the data into a keyed JSON file instead. Coming from a background in PHP and JavaScript, I find JSON files to be more visually appealing and more practical in various applications compared to CSV files. JSON is particularly useful for tasks like database storage (though I wouldn’t recommend it for that), embedding in HTML documents, or integrating with frameworks like VueJS or React. You get the idea.

Initially, I tried several online CSV to JSON converters, but they all crashed due to the file size. Realizing that I needed a different approach, I thought, "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain." Consequently, I developed a Python script that you can run from the command line to convert a CSV file into a keyed JSON file.

Here's the Python script:

import csv

import json

import sys

import os

def csv_to_json(csv_file, json_file):

"""

Convert a CSV file to a JSON file

"""

# Open the CSV

with open(csv_file, 'r') as csv_file:

reader = csv.DictReader(csv_file)

data = list(reader)

# Convert to JSON

json_data = json.dumps(data, indent=4)

# Create parent directories if they don't exist

if not os.path.exists(os.path.dirname(json_file)):

os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(json_file))

# Write JSON to a file

with open(json_file, 'w') as json_file:

json_file.write(json_data)

def main():

files = sys.argv[1].split(' ')

csv_to_json(files[0], files[1])

if __name__ == "__main__":

main()

Chapter 2: Visual Demonstrations

The first video, Convert CSV to JSON with Python, provides a step-by-step guide on using Python for this conversion process.

The second video, How to Convert CSV to JSON in Python, offers additional tips and tricks for efficient file conversion.