> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting a JSON Feed or File

**JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)** is a lightweight, structured data format widely used for **data exchange between web services and applications**. PADS4 allows integration with **JSON feeds (from the internet) or JSON files (local storage)** as data providers.

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## **Steps to Add or Modify a JSON Connection in PADS4**

### **1. Start the Data Provider Wizard**

* Open the **Data Provider Wizard** using the steps in **Adding a Data Provider** or **Editing a Data Provider**.
* Choose **JSON Feed** (for an online source) or **JSON File** (for a local source).

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### **2. Specify the JSON Source**

* **For JSON Feeds (Online)**
  * Enter the **URL (URI)** of the JSON feed.
  * Ensure the URL is **publicly accessible** or has the proper authentication settings.

* **For JSON Files (Local)**
  * Specify the **file path**.
  * The file can be located in the **PADS4 Content Library** or an **external location**.
  * If stored **outside the PADS4 Content Library**, it **won't sync automatically** to the viewer.

Click **Next** to proceed.

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### **3. Select the Data Source**

* **JSON structures** can contain multiple **tables and nested data**.
* Click **Select** to open a **tree view** of the JSON structure.
* Browse through **different levels** to find the right data.
* Once found, click **OK** to confirm.

#### **Advanced Selection (For Technical Users)**

* Modify the **JSON Path Expression** manually.
* Use **JSONPath syntax** for advanced filtering and selection.
* Refer to **JSONPath documentation** for more details.

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### **4. Configure Data Handling Settings**

* **Include Parent Level Column Name** → Adds parent-level identifiers for hierarchical relationships.
* **Create Additional Columns Without HTML5 Tags** → Removes **HTML formatting** and extracts plain text.
* **Flatten Hierarchical Data** → Converts **nested JSON structures** into a flat data table.

Click **Next** to continue.

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### **5. Configure Request Method**

* **GET (default)** → Retrieves data without modifying it.
* **POST** → Used for sending additional parameters (fill in the **request body** if required).
* **Specify Encoding** → Choose a text encoding format if needed.

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### **6. Configure Security and Authentication**

* **Authorization (if required)**
  * Enable **Authorization Required**.
  * Enter **UserID, Password, and Domain**.

* **Proxy Server (if applicable)**
  * Configure proxy settings if access to the internet requires authentication.

* **User-Agent Identification**
  * Some servers require a **specific User-Agent string** (e.g., for API access).

Click **Next** to proceed.

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### **7. Finalizing the JSON Provider Setup**

* Click **Finish** to complete the setup.

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## **Important Considerations**

* **PADS4 Data Server**
  * If using a **Data Server**, ensure the JSON source is **accessible from the server**.
  * If not using a Data Server, the **Designer and Viewers** must have **direct access** to the JSON feed or file.

* **Joining Multiple Data Tables**
  * If you need to **combine data** from multiple JSON sources, use the **Join Data Provider**.

By following these steps, **PADS4 can seamlessly integrate JSON data sources** into **real-time digital signage presentations**.