Understanding JSON Formats: Objects vs. Arrays

When you convert a flat CSV, you typically get a 'Flat Array of Objects'. Each row in the CSV is an object, and all objects are collected into a single array.

The Flat Array Structure

[
  { "id": 1, "name": "Apple" },
  { "id": 2, "name": "Banana" }
]

This is the most compatible format for 99% of data ingestion tasks.

Why You Might Need a Root Object

Some legacy systems or specific API endpoints require the array to be wrapped in a root object:

{
  "products": [...],
  "metadata": { "count": 2 }
}

While our converter produces the pure array for maximum flexibility, you can easily wrap this output using a simple script or even a text editor.