# JSON semantic diff review checklist

- Parse both documents before deciding whether a difference is only formatting.
- Treat whitespace and object-key order as formatting-only when parsed values are equal.
- Record the JSON Pointer for every value or type change.
- Treat array order as a separate review item; confirm whether the receiver treats order as meaningful.
- Keep the before/after fixtures and the classification table together.
- Do not apply a patch or claim deployment safety from a formatting-only result.