JSON Query in Google Sheets/Scripts - json

Question

I am importing data from a JSON file using Google Apps Script and Google Sheets. I have learned the basics on this, but the formatting on the JSON file I am attempting to parse is throwing me off.
What is confusing me is how I would search for information based on "name". Currently I am using this:
function JSONReq(url, xpath){
var res = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url);
var content = res.getContentText();
var json = JSON.parse(content);
var patharray = xpath.split("/");
for(var i = 0; i < patharray.length; i++){
json = json[patharray[i]];
}
return json;
}
I'm a bit lost now to be honest with you.
I want to have a cell where I can type a name that I already know of, then find it in the JSON file and pull the return that information however I decide to do it. I can pull and write to cells, I have the basics down. But I just can't understand how I could search by the name.

Answer 1

That JSON file is an array of objects. To find a specific object with a given "name", you would parse it into an object (which you do already), then iterate through them and check the name parameter:
var myName = "name of thing I want";
var arr = JSON.parse( ... );
for(var i = 0; i < arr.length; ++i) {
var obj = arr[i];
if(obj.name == myName) { // could be done as obj["name"] == ... too
// do stuff with obj
}
}
For your case, you might add an additional argument to your function (i.e. 2nd arg = the object's property, e.g. "name", with the 3rd = the desired value. This will be fine for any simple key-value properties, but would need specific handling for where the value is itself an object (e.g. the "category" field in your specific JSON file).