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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
TOON format is a simple text data format that simplifies working with JSON-like structures. It is flat: each key and value is written on a separate line, without brackets, quotes, or complex structures.
For example, JSON
{
"name": "Yuki",
"age": 28,
"skills": ["ruby", "rails", "ai"]
}
in TOON looks like
name: Yuki age: 28 skills: ruby, rails, ai
Why does TOON make sense when working with AI?
- Flat structure reduces model errors. JSON is complex: commas, brackets, quotes - models sometimes miss or break them. TOON removes this "noise" and leaves only the data.
- Fewer tokens. In large models (GPT, LLaMA, etc.), payment and speed depend on the number of tokens. JSON has a lot of syntax: brackets, quotes, commas, spaces. TOON minimizes this, leaving only keys and values, saving tokens and allowing for larger data volumes without exceeding the limit.
- Easier to prompt and edit. It is easier for both humans and models to read a flat list of keys and values. The model generates syntax errors less frequently and does not "break" the structure.
- Simple storage and analysis. TOON is easier to compare in versions, make diffs, integrate into pipelines where JSON is too bulky.
In short. TOON reduces the tokenized weight of data, making it lighter for models while still preserving the ability to easily convert back to structured data. It is the optimal format for AI configs, prompts, and large arrays of structured data.
