chronically-needs-csv 0.0.1

A JSON to CSV converter for analysts who chronically can't parse JSON themselves. Dedicated to Konstantinos Chronis.

chronically-needs-csv

For Konstantinos Chronis, the analyst blessed with mass amounts of Chronos (time), yet mysteriously none to spare for learning json.load().

A JSON to CSV converter for people who chronically can't be bothered to parse JSON themselves.

Installation

pip install chronically-needs-csv

Or if you're Konstantinos and somehow mess that up too:

pip install git+https://github.com/JellevanE/chronically-needs-csv.git

Usage

Command Line

# The tool you'll chronically need
chronically-needs-csv data.json

# Or use the shorthand (named after you-know-who)
chronis data.json

# Specify output file
chronis data.json output.csv

# Use pipe delimiter for arrays (good for BigQuery, Konstantinos)
chronis data.json -d "|"

# Silent mode (if you can't handle the truth)
chronis data.json --silent

Python

from chronically_needs_csv import convert, json_to_csv_string

# Convert file to file
convert("data.json", "output.csv")

# Convert data directly
data = [{"name": "Konstantinos", "skill": "SQL", "json_knowledge": None}]
csv_string = json_to_csv_string(data)

Features

• Nested objects → flattened with dot notation (user.address.city)
• Arrays → joined with delimiter (default: , )
• Missing fields → empty cells (like Konstantinos's JSON knowledge)
• Any JSON shape → handled automatically

Example

Input (analysts.json):

[
  {
    "name": "Konstantinos",
    "tools": {"primary": "BigQuery", "avoided": "Python"},
    "skills": ["SQL", "asking friends for help"]
  }
]

Output (analysts.csv):

name,tools.primary,tools.avoided,skills
Konstantinos,BigQuery,Python,"SQL, asking friends for help"

BigQuery Import

After converting, Konstantinos can finally do what he does best:

LOAD DATA INTO my_dataset.my_table
FROM FILES (
  format = 'CSV',
  uris = ['gs://bucket/data.csv']
);

FAQ

Q: Why is this package called "chronically-needs-csv"? A: Because someone chronically needs CSV files and his name happens to sound like Chronos. Coincidence? We think not.

Q: Can I use this even if my name isn't Konstantinos? A: Yes, but you'll still see messages about him. Consider it a feature.

Q: Why not just use pandas? A: Because then we couldn't make this joke.

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Made with mild exasperation and mass amounts of love.