JSON Data Lineage Tracer

JSON Data Lineage Tracer | Online Free Tool | Elysia Tools

Tool usage guide

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Category: Data Processing
Input types: textarea, checkbox, number
Output type: json
Sample coverage: 4
API ready: Yes

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.

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

1Paste your raw JSON payload into the Source JSON field to establish the base data structure.
2Optionally, provide a Lineage Rules JSON to define how derived fields are calculated from source paths using specific transformations.
3Toggle whether to include container nodes (objects and arrays) and set a maximum field limit for the output.
4The 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.

Examples

1. Tracing API Response Derived Fields

Data Engineer

Background

An API returns a customer order payload where some fields are calculated on the fly, such as converting cents to dollars and combining names.

Problem

Need to document exactly how the 'totalUsd' and 'customerLabel' fields are derived from the raw database output.

How to use

Paste the raw order JSON, then input the derivation rules specifying that 'totalUsd' comes from 'totalCents' divided by 100, and 'customerLabel' concatenates 'firstName' and 'lastName'.

{
  "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(\" \")"]
    }
  ]
}

Outcome

A JSON lineage graph is generated showing 9 total fields, explicitly linking the 2 derived fields to their original sources and transformation steps.

2. Mapping Flat JSON Structures

Backend Developer

Background

A legacy system outputs a large, nested JSON file with dozens of keys that need to be mapped to a new schema.

Problem

FAQ

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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Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Overview

When to use

How it works

Use cases

Examples

1. Tracing API Response Derived Fields

2. Mapping Flat JSON Structures

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