# Converting a Report to Formatted JSON in Python

The following Python code:

- **Converts** the Python report into JSON.
- **Formats** the output with four-space indentation.
- **Preserves** special and international characters.

```python
json_report = json.dumps(
    report,
    indent=4,
    ensure_ascii=False,
)
```

It uses Python's built-in `json` module to transform Python data into JSON format.

## Understanding each parameter

1. `json.dumps()`

- Converts a Python object (such as a dictionary or list) into a JSON-formatted string.
- The `s` in `dumps` stands for *string*.

2\. `report`

- The Python object you want to convert.
- It could contain dictionaries, lists, numbers, strings, or Boolean values.

3\. `indent=4`

- Adds indentation of four spaces.
- Makes the JSON output more readable by organizing nested data.

4\. `ensure_ascii=False`

- Preserves non-English characters.
- Useful when working with accented characters and languages such as Greek, French, or Spanish.

5\. `json_report`

The formatted JSON output is stored in the `json_report` variable so it can be accessed and used later in the program.

**Example output:**

```python
{
    "name": "Monthly Report",
    "department": "Finance",
    "status": "Completed",
    "manager": "Maria"
}
```

## Why is formatted JSON useful?

- **Readability:** Makes complex reports easier to inspect.
- **Data exchange:** Allows information to be shared between different applications.
- **Compatibility:** JSON is widely supported by APIs and web applications.
- **Character preservation:** Keeps international characters readable.

---

This mini-guide was originally published on [**<u>PDF Python Hub</u>**](https://payhip.com/PDFPythonHub), where you can find more in-depth Python resources for working with PDFs.