Search deeply nested keys in JSON/JSONC and JS/TS object literals using dot notation. Precisely selects the matching value (string content only, or the full token/object/array for non-strings) and supports a live search UI similar to Ctrl+F.
Features
Exact dot-path lookup with structure-aware nesting (no false matches from siblings)
Works with JSON/JSONC and JS/TS objects (quoted and unquoted keys)
Selects just the final value content
Live search input that updates selection as you type
Requirements
VS Code ^1.75.0
Commands
extension.searchJsonKey: One-shot input. Jumps to the value of the provided dot-path.
extension.searchJsonKeyLive: Live search input. Updates selection on each keystroke.
Default Keybinding
Live search: Ctrl+Alt+J (Windows/Linux), Cmd+Alt+J (macOS)
How to Use (for Marketplace)
Open a JSON/JSONC/JS/TS file containing nested objects.
Press the default keybinding or run the command from the Command Palette:
“Search JSON Field by Dot Notation (Live)” for a live Ctrl+F-like search.
“Search JSON Field by Dot Notation” for a single prompt.
Type a path like messages.errors.no_permission.
The extension selects only the value of that key (string content without quotes, or the full non-string value).
Usage
Open a JSON/JSONC/JS/TS file that contains nested data.
Run a command:
Command Palette → “Search JSON Field by Dot Notation” (one-shot), or
Command Palette → “Search JSON Field by Dot Notation (Live)” (live UI), or
Press the default keybinding for the live search.
Enter a dot-path, e.g. messages.errors.no_permission.
The extension will select only the final value.
Examples
Given:
export const en = {
pages: {
login: {
title: 'Login',
settings: {
mac_address: { title: 'MAC' },
},
},
},
messages: {
errors: {
no_permission: 'You do not have permission',
},
},
}
Searching messages.errors.no_permission selects: You do not have permission (inside quotes only).
Searching pages.login.settings.mac_address.title selects: MAC (exact nesting; does not match pages.login.title).
Installation (Local dev)
Clone this repo, then open it in VS Code.
Press F5 (Run Extension) to launch a new Extension Development Host.
Packaging (optional)
Use vsce if you want to package/publish:
Install: npm i -g @vscode/vsce
Package: vsce package
Notes & Limitations
The matcher is tolerant but still expects syntactically valid structures.
For large files, live updates use a small debounce (≈120ms).
Keys are matched exactly by segment; the final segment is not prefix-matched.
