What it does
When programs send data to an AI model, they often use JSON, a common data format. AI services charge by the "token" (small chunks of text), and JSON spends many tokens on brackets and repeated labels.
TOON writes the same data in a shorter, tidy form, listing field names once and then one row per item, a bit like a spreadsheet. Its makers say it can cut tokens a lot for lists of similar items, and that it converts back to JSON with nothing lost.
They also say plain JSON can still be more efficient for deeply nested or irregular data. The project includes a TypeScript library, a command-line tool and benchmarks.
Who it's for
Developers who send lots of structured data to AI models and want to save on costs.
Can I use it without coding?
Developers only. A code library and command-line tool for programmers. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- FreeNothing to pay or sign up for.
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Runs on your own device: your data stays with you
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe