CTON: JSON-compatible, token-efficient text format for LLM prompts
CTON provides a JSON-compatible, token-efficient text representation optimized for LLM prompts. - davidesantangelo/cton
CTON: JSON-compatible, token-efficient text format for LLM prompts launched on November 20, 2025 with 13 votes, #805 of 9,796 launches that month and more than 75% of that year's launches.
In plain words
CTON is a text format designed to reduce token usage in large language model prompts while maintaining JSON compatibility. It allows developers and AI practitioners to structure data more efficiently, shrinking prompt sizes without sacrificing readability or functionality. By offering a lighter alternative to standard JSON for LLM applications, CTON helps reduce processing costs and improve response times when working with language models.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
CTON (Compact Token-Oriented Notation) is a token-efficient, JSON-compatible wire format built for LLM prompts. It keeps structure explicit (objects, arrays, table arrays) while removing syntactic noise, so prompts are shorter and outputs are easier to validate. CTON is deterministic and round-trippable, making it safe for LLM workflows. CTON is designed to be the reference language for LLM data exchange : short, deterministic,from github.com
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