Understanding JSON

While it is possible to learn to make a Content Patcher mod without understanding what JSON is, it will be extremely helpful for you to know the basics. Most errors that new modders make are a result of not understanding the basics of JSON. If you don't know those basics, that's not your fault, of course! This page will attempt to teach you, but if you still don't understand it, there are probably thousands of other guides out there on the internet. JSON is not specific to Stardew Valley and is widely used for all kinds of data.

As you can see on the right side, we have an example.json file set up. There's not much to it right now because we'll be building it up little by little as things are explained. However, first things first, it's important to emphasize that this is a .json file. That is a file type, just like .png or .txt. You will really want to make sure you have file extensions visible on your computer to ensure you are making .json files and not .txt files. You will also want to use a text editor that better supports JSON files, like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code.