PrettyPrinter

macOS / developpeurs

A common problem with JSON and XML based communications is that the text sent and received is often in a somewhat compressed format. This is fine for when the machines - or more accurately, the software - is receiving and interpreting the text, but it can be difficult for a human to read. This is especially a problem for software developers who will want to monitor these texts while the applications that are dealing with them are being developed. This utility is designed to make this task easier by automatically recognizing and formatting (i.e. "pretty printing") JSON and XML texts.

The application provides two main features.

First, it can format text that is copy and pasted into the window. If it is recognized as either JSON or XML, it will be formatted and the formatted version will be displayed in the application window. If it is not recognized as either JSON or XML, it will be displayed in the application window "as is" with no formatting taking place.

Second, it can be used to automatically track a text file, showing the formatted version in the window. This is similar to the copy and paste, except that the application will continue to monitor the file and, each time it is changed, the formatted view is automatically updated appropriately.

In addition to those main features, this application also includes the following items that are to be expected in a well written Mac application:

• Proper support for both light and dark appearance.
• Support for multiple font sizes.
• When tracking changes to a file, the changes from the previous text are briefly highlighted (with a fading highlight) to draw attention to the changes.
• Also when tracking changes to a file, the application can optionally be automatically brought to the front to draw attention to the changes. (This feature is off by default as this may be considered an intrusive behaviour, but it can be turned on using the menus.)
• The user can stop tracking a file either by pressing a button, or by simply pasting a new text into the window.
• When tracking a file, the user can easily open the file in Finder. This saves having to go searching for the file you are tracking.