JSON to Excel Converter Script

This Python script converts JSON data into an Excel file format (.xlsx). It works on macOS, Linux, and Windows, offering both interactive and command-line options for a smooth and flexible experience.

🔧 Features

• ✅ Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
• 🧰 Optional Command-Line Arguments: Supports --input and --output flags to skip interactive prompts.
• 🍎 macOS Integration: Uses native AppleScript dialogs for selecting files and folders.
• 📦 Automatic Dependency Installation: Installs required Python packages (pandas, openpyxl) if not already installed.
• 📁 Smart Defaults: If no output is specified, saves the Excel file in the same location as the JSON file.
• 📂 Auto Open Output Folder: Opens the output folder automatically after conversion on all platforms.

📦 Requirements

• Python 3.x
• pandas: For working with tabular data.
• openpyxl: For Excel file creation and editing.

✨ No need to manually install dependencies — the script will offer to install them for you.

📥 Installation

1. Clone or download this repository:

   git clone https://github.com/your-repo/json-to-excel.git
   cd json-to-excel

2. (Optional) Manually install requirements:

   python3 -m pip install pandas openpyxl

🚀 Usage

Option 1: Interactive Mode (No flags)

Run the script and follow the prompts:

python3 json_to_excel.py

• macOS: Native dialogs appear for file and folder selection.
• Other Platforms: Prompts will appear in the terminal.

Option 2: Command-Line Mode

python3 json_to_excel.py --input /path/to/input.json --output /path/to/output.xlsx

This bypasses prompts and runs headlessly.

Example

python3 json_to_excel.py --input ./data/myfile.json

Output will be saved as ./data/myfile.xlsx.

🔄 Script Flow

1. Checks Dependencies: Installs pandas and openpyxl if needed.
2. Handles Input: Reads from command-line or prompts user.
3. Converts JSON: Uses pandas to turn JSON into an Excel spreadsheet.
4. Saves Output: Exports .xlsx file and opens output folder.

🧩 Troubleshooting

• Missing Dependencies: The script will install them if you approve.
• Invalid Paths: Ensure the input file exists and is valid JSON.
• macOS-only Dialogs: File/folder dialogs are only available on macOS. Other platforms fall back to terminal prompts.