# JSON Data Lineage Tracer

Trace JSON field paths, derived dependencies, and transformation history to build a field-level lineage graph

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/json-data-lineage-tracer

- **Category:** Data Processing

- **Keywords:** json, lineage, etl, field mapping, dependency graph, data engineering

## Overview

The JSON Data Lineage Tracer is a data engineering utility that maps field paths, derived dependencies, and transformation histories within JSON structures. By combining source JSON data with optional derivation rules, it generates a comprehensive field-level lineage graph to help you visualize how data flows and transforms across your ETL pipelines or API responses.

## Inputs

- **Source JSON** (textarea): { "order": { "id": "ORD-1001", "customer": { "firstName": "Ada", "lastName": "Lovelace" }, "totalCents": 2599 } }
- **Lineage Rules JSON (Optional)** (textarea): { "rules": \[ { "target": "$.order.totalUsd", "sources": \["$.order.totalCents"\], "transforms": \["divide_by_100", "round(2)"\] }, { "target": "$.order.customerLabel", "sources": \["$.order.customer.firstName", "$.order.customer.lastName"\], "transforms": \["concat(" ")"\] } \] }
- **Include Object And Array Nodes** (checkbox)
- **Maximum Fields In Output** (number)

## When to use

- When auditing ETL pipelines to understand how specific JSON fields are derived from raw source data.
- When documenting API responses to show downstream consumers the exact origin of aggregated or transformed fields.
- When debugging complex data mappings where you need to trace the transformation history of specific values.

## How it works

- Paste your raw JSON payload into the Source JSON field to establish the base data structure.
- Optionally, provide a Lineage Rules JSON to define how derived fields are calculated from source paths using specific transformations.
- Toggle whether to include container nodes (objects and arrays) and set a maximum field limit for the output.
- The tool processes the inputs and generates a structured JSON lineage graph detailing field counts, derived dependencies, and transformation steps.

## Use cases

- Mapping data transformations in ETL workflows to ensure compliance and data integrity.
- Creating technical documentation for API endpoints that return aggregated or calculated metrics.
- Troubleshooting data discrepancies by tracing the origin and transformation steps of specific JSON properties.

## Frequently asked questions

### What format should the lineage rules be in?

The rules should be a JSON object containing a 'rules' array, where each rule specifies a 'target' path, an array of 'sources', and an array of 'transforms'.

### Can I trace lineage without providing rules?

Yes, if you only provide the source JSON, the tool will map the base field paths without any derived dependencies.

### What does the 'Include Object And Array Nodes' option do?

It determines whether parent container structures are included as distinct nodes in the lineage graph, or if only leaf nodes (actual values) are mapped.

### Is there a limit to how many fields I can trace?

Yes, you can configure the maximum number of fields in the output, ranging from 10 up to 2,000.

### What does the output look like?

The output is a JSON object containing a summary of field counts and a graph object detailing the nodes and their derivation paths.

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- [JSON Key Renamer](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/json-key-renamer): Batch rename JSON object keys with support for patterns, rules, and transformations. Perfect for API response formatting and data normalization.
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## Samples

- [Terraform Plan JSON Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/terraform-plan-json-samples): Sample Terraform plan JSON files exported from terraform show -json style payloads for dependency visualization and change review
- [JSON Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/json): JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format examples from simple to complex structures
- [Chat Transcript JSON Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/chat-transcript-json): JSON examples for multi-role chat transcripts
- [Rich Media JSON Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/rich-media-json): JSON examples for popular rich text editors (TipTap, Quill, Slate)

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- [JSON Inspection, Diff, and Transformation Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/json-utility): Compare JSON formatting, diffing, path inspection, schema validation, merging, transformation, and export tools in one hub for API and data workflows.