Assignment 7 – JSON World

Folder: csc336-fall2025/07-json-world/

Overview

In this assignment, you’ll design a small imaginary world in JSON, then write a simple Node.js script that reads and processes it.

Learning Goals

• Understand how JSON encodes nested data structures
• Practice writing and validating structured JSON data
• Use Node.js to read and process data from a file
• Work with ES Modules and the fs module

Part 1 – Create Your JSON World

Create a file called world.json that describes a small imaginary world using nested JSON. If you are having trouble with understanding JSON, see this: JSON Introduction (W3Schools)

JSON Structure Requirements

• Your top-level object must have a key called "regions" whose value is an array.
• Each region must be an object containing:
  • "name" – the name of the region
  • "climate" – a string (e.g. "temperate", "arid")
  • "towns" – an array of town objects
• Each town must include:
  • "name" – the town’s name
  • "population" – a number
  • "notable_people" – an array of people
• Each person must include:
  • "name" – their full name
  • "role" – their occupation or title
  • "items" – an array of objects or strings representing their possessions
• At least one item must be an object with its own properties (for example: an item that has both a "name" and "rarity").
• Your data should be at least 3 levels deep (e.g., region → town → person → item).

Validation

Before submitting, check that your JSON file is valid:

https://jsonlint.com/

Paste your JSON there and ensure you see “Valid JSON”.

Part 2 – Create a Node Script

In the same folder, create a file called world.js that:

• Imports the fs module using an ES module import (not require()).
• Reads the world.json file from disk.
• Parses the JSON into a JavaScript object.
• Prints out some interesting subset of the data — for example, all of the "notable_people" names, all town names, or all items with a particular property.

{
  "type": "module"
}

Then, your import at the top of world.js should look like this:

import * as fs from 'fs'; // or import fs from 'fs';

Run your program in the terminal with:

node world.js

Examples

• Simple node file example from class
• More complex example with JSON and a node script.

Submission

Submit the following files:

• world.json
• world.js
• package.json

Each file should be neatly formatted and easy to read.