Accessible JSON Code Snippets in Documentation

Providing code examples is crucial for technical documentation. For data structures like JSON, developers rely on these snippets to understand API responses, configuration files, or data formats. However, presenting JSON code in a way that is accessible to *all* developers, including those using screen readers or other assistive technologies, requires careful consideration. This page explores common accessibility challenges and best practices for presenting JSON.

Why Accessibility for Code?

Accessibility isn't just for users with disabilities; it improves usability for everyone. When it comes to code snippets:

• Readability: Clear formatting and syntax highlighting help all developers quickly scan and understand the structure.
• Copyability: Easy selection and copying prevents errors when transferring code.
• Screen Reader Compatibility: Developers using screen readers need the structure and content announced correctly.
• Keyboard Navigation: While less critical for static text blocks, overall page structure impacts navigation.

Common Problems with Inaccessible JSON

Poorly presented JSON snippets can lead to several issues:

• Difficult to Read: Lack of indentation, inconsistent spacing, or poor color contrast in syntax highlighting can make the JSON visually confusing.
• Copy-Paste Errors: Extra line numbers, unexpected characters from formatting, or inability to select the entire snippet cleanly.
• Screen Reader Annoyances: Screen readers might read the JSON as a long, undifferentiated string, missing the structural cues (objects, arrays, keys, values). Line numbers or complex highlighting markup can also be read aloud, creating noise.
• Lack of Context: Snippets presented without clear explanation of what they represent or what specific parts mean.

Best Practices for Accessible JSON Snippets

Here are key techniques to make your JSON code snippets more accessible and user-friendly:

1. Use Semantic HTML (<pre> <code>)

Always wrap code blocks in <pre> tags for preformatted text and <code> tags for indicating code. This is the standard and provides semantic meaning that assistive technologies understand.

<pre>
  <code class="language-json">
    {
      "name": "Example User",
      "id": 12345,
      "isActive": true
    }
  </code>
</pre>

The class="language-json" is common for many syntax highlighting libraries and helps identify the code type.

2. Implement Syntax Highlighting with Good Contrast

Syntax highlighting significantly improves readability. Ensure your chosen color scheme has sufficient contrast between different syntax elements (keys, strings, numbers, booleans, punctuation) and the background. Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning; structural formatting (indentation) is key.

{
  <span class="hljs-attr">"user"</span>: &#x7b;
    <span class="hljs-attr">"id"</span>: <span class="hljs-number">101</span>,
    <span class="hljs-attr">"username"</span>: <span class="hljs-string">"johndoe"</span>,
    <span class="hljs-attr">"roles"</span>: <span class="hljs-literal">null</span>,
    <span class="hljs-attr">"is_active"</span>: <span class="hljs-literal">false</span>,
    <span class="hljs-attr">"last_login"</span>: <span class="hljs-string">"2023-10-27T10:00:00Z"</span>
  &#x7d;,
  <span class="hljs-attr">"permissions"</span>: [
    <span class="hljs-string">"read"</span>,
    <span class="hljs-string">"write"</span>
  ]
&#x7d;

3. Ensure Correct Formatting

Consistent indentation and line breaks are crucial for visual parsing. Avoid displaying JSON as a single, long line unless absolutely necessary for brevity in a specific context (and even then, provide an alternative formatted version).

4. Make it Easy to Copy

The content within <pre><code> should be plain, selectable text. Avoid using images for code snippets. Ensure that selecting and copying the code block doesn't include line numbers or other extraneous UI elements (these should be added via CSS or pseudo-elements if needed for presentation, not directly in the text). While we cannot implement interactive copy buttons here, consider their value in a dynamic documentation site.

5. Add ARIA Attributes Where Appropriate

For code blocks, adding role="code" can provide additional context to screen readers. Ensure that any surrounding UI (like line numbers or copy buttons) is either ignored by screen readers (e.g., aria-hidden="true") or announced correctly.

<pre>
  <code class="language-json" role="code">
    {
      "status": "success",
      "data": [
        {"item": "apple", "quantity": 5},
        {"item": "banana", "quantity": 10}
      ]
    }
  </code>
</pre>

6. Provide Contextual Explanations

Always introduce your JSON snippet and explain what it represents. Point out key fields or structures, especially if the snippet is large or complex. Use surrounding paragraphs, lists, or tables to break down the information.

{
  <span class="hljs-comment">// Unique identifier for the user</span>
  "id": <span class="hljs-number">789</span>,
  <span class="hljs-comment">// The user's full name</span>
  "full_name": <span class="hljs-string">"Jane Doe"</span>,
  <span class="hljs-comment">// List of assigned roles (can be empty)</span>
  "roles": [
    <span class="hljs-string">"editor"</span>,
    <span class="hljs-string">"viewer"</span>
  ],
  <span class="hljs-comment">// Boolean indicating if the account is active</span>
  "is_active": <span class="hljs-literal">true</span>
&#x7d;

7. Handle Large Snippets Gracefully

For very large JSON examples, displaying the entire block inline might be overwhelming. Consider showing a truncated version and providing a link to view or download the complete, raw JSON file. This offers developers the full context when needed without cluttering the page. (Again, describe this concept, without implementing the actual link).

Example: Good vs. Bad

Bad Example: Just Pasted Text

This is hard to read, copy-paste is risky, and screen readers get no structural clues.

Good Example: Using <pre><code> with Formatting

Formatted, within semantic tags, ready for syntax highlighting, and easy to copy.

{
  "users": [
    {
      "id": <span class="hljs-number">1</span>,
      "name": <span class="hljs-string">"Alice"</span>
    &#x7d;,
    &#x7b;
      "id": <span class="hljs-number">2</span>,
      "name": <span class="hljs-string">"Bob"</span>
    &#x7d;
  ],
  "count": <span class="hljs-number">2</span>
&#x7d;

Conclusion

Making JSON code snippets accessible in your documentation is a simple yet impactful way to improve the developer experience. By using the correct HTML tags, ensuring proper formatting and contrast, and providing clear context, you make your documentation more usable for a wider audience, including those using assistive technologies. Prioritizing accessibility from the start benefits everyone.