JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a data interchange format that is lightweight, yet it uses data structures that can be stored and exchanged between web applications and servers. JSON is one of the most used structured text formats for APIs and databases, as well as configuration files, due to its simplicity, readability, and universal support.
What is JSON?
The JavaScript Object Notation is a text-based data serialization format, which is used to express data as pair of key-value. The JSON data is made up of objects, arrays, strings, numbers, and booleans. It is simple to write and read as it is based on the JavaScript syntax by both humans and machines.
JSON is also a language-agnostic format, so any programming language can read and write it. JSON is used by developers in web development, mobile applications, and server communication in areas where fast data communication is needed.
JSON Syntax Rules & Structure
A JSON file is composed of pair representation of key-value that are enclosed in curly braces. Arrays are represented in square brackets, and keys should be in quotes but they should be in the form of a string.
The data syntax of the JSON file should be adhered to fully in order to be supported as valid data parsing. This medium of programming instructions to APIs renders that it is best to define foreseeable data designed and the preservation of preferred standardized design.
JSON vs XML: Difference
Both XML and JSON formats of data serialization are lightweight, yet the format is simpler to decode and to transmit. XML has tags, whereas JSON is simpler and more human-readable by using a simpler text-based notation.
JSON Examples
The simplest JSON schema is in the following form:
| {“name”: “Alice”, “age”: 25, “city”: “London”} |
This shows how it assists in parse text into objects in the data exchange and interoperability of data between applications.