Parsing JSON in Power Automate Cloud Flows

JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is a widely-used data interchange format that allows for the exchange of structured data between applications. It is easy to read, easy to understand, and can be parsed and accessed quickly and efficiently.

In Power Automate flows, JSON can be used to pass data between different stages of a flow and to communicate with external applications and services. This can be particularly useful when working with complex data structures or when integrating with other systems that use JSON as their primary data format.

To parse JSON in Power Automate, you can use the built-in “Parse JSON” action. This action allows you to specify the JSON data to be parsed and the schema, or structure, of the data. The schema is used to define the different fields and data types that are present in the JSON data.

Once the JSON data has been parsed, you can access the individual fields and values within the data using expressions. For example, you could use the outputs('Parse_JSON')?['field_name'] expression to access the value of a field called “field_name” in the parsed JSON data.

You can also use the “Parse JSON” action to validate the structure of the JSON data. If the data does not conform to the specified schema, the action will fail and the flow will stop. This can be useful for ensuring that the data you are working with is valid and well-formed.

For example in the below picture, I am calling a custom Dynamics 365 Action. That action returns a string output in JSON format. I pass it to the “Parse JSON” action. Note that you have to specify the correct JSON schema here. Because a JSON Schema provides a way to describe the structure and constraints of JSON data, and can be used to validate that data against the schema.

Now you can access the individual fields and values within the data using expressions.

In summary, the “Parse JSON” action in Power Automate is a powerful and flexible tool for working with JSON data in your flows. It allows you to easily access and manipulate JSON data, and to validate the structure of the data to ensure that it is correct. Whether you are working with simple or complex data structures, parsing JSON in Power Automate can help you get the most out of your flows.