Bringing IDE support to JSON-LD with the language server protocol

Abstract

JSON-LD is a popular data format used to describe and share semantic data on the web. However, creating and editing JSON-LD documents can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with complex contexts that include many properties. The existing JSON editing functionality may not suffice for developers, and a JSON-LD editor could greatly enhance their experience. In this paper, we introduce a JSON-LD Language Server based on the Language Server Protocol (LSP) that empowers text editors compatible with the LSP (e.g., Visual Studio Code and NeoVim) with IDE functionality, including autocompletion suggestions based on the defined context, semantic highlighting and renaming identifiers inside the document. We believe that a JSON-LD LSP will enhance developer ergonomics and promote its adoption. Moreover, we see high potential for additional features that can be added such as hovering,

go-to-definition and code actions like flattening or structuring of JSON-LD documents.