What Is JSON?

JSON or in it's full name JavaScript Object Notation, is a standard text-based format for representing structured data, mainly used for storing and transporting data. It’s like a universal language for computers, allowing them to communicate and share information in a human friendly format. But why should you care? Let’s break it down:

Why JSON Matters

• Human-Readable: JSON is easy on the eyes. Unlike cryptic binary formats, it’s legible for both developers and non-developers, and basicaly made of plane english.


• Compact & Efficient: JSON keeps things concise. It’s perfect for transmitting data over services or storing it in databases.


• Widespread Adoption: JSON is the cool kid on the block. Web APIs, databases, and configuration files all speak JSON fluently.

Common JSON Usecases

• Web Application: JSON is the preferred format for data exchange in web applications. It enables seamless communication between clients and servers, as well as between different services.


• Data Storing: JSON is widely used for data storage. It effectively represents simple and complex structures, including arrays and nested objects. Many NoSQL databases, like MongoDB, use JSON-like formats for efficient data retrieval and manipulation.


• Configuration Files: JSON is ideal for configuration files, providing a structured way to store settings, preferences, and options for applications. It allows developers to easily read and modify these settings in a human-readable format. This flexibility helps tailor applications to user needs without altering the core code.

JSON Data Types

Lets start with an example:

{
  "employee": {
  "firstName": "John",
  "lastName": "Doe",
  "dateOfBirth": "2010-02-28T00:00:00Z",
  "average": 87.67,
  "isGraduate": false,
  "grades": [
    {
      "subject": "Math",
      "finalGrade": 90
    },
    {
      "subject": "Science",
      "finalGrade": 85
    },
    {
      "subject": "History",
      "finalGrade": 88
    }
  ]
}

• String: text type - In our example, firstName ("John") and lastName ("Doe") are strings, giving us the student's name. The dateOfBirth is also a string, formatted as a date-time (like "2010-02-28T00:00:00Z"), which tells us both the date and time in a standardized.


• Number: This is for any kind of numerical value. The grades like finalGrade (90, 85, 88) and the average (87.67) are all numbers representing scores.


• Boolean: This type is all about true or false. The isGraduate field tells us whether the student has graduated, and in this case, it’s set to false..


• Object: An object is like a little package of related information. Each entry in the grades array is an object, combining a subject with its finalGrade.


• Array: An array is a list of items. The grades field is an array that holds multiple subjects and their corresponding grades.


• Null: Null represents the absence of a value. While we don’t use it in this example, it’s handy for indicating that something is intentionally left blank.

JSON vs. Other Formats

For further reading about JSON:

• JSON.org, 
• Wikipedia, 
• W3Schools, 
• Google Search