Development
What is JSON?
JavaScript Object Notation — a lightweight text format for data interchange.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a text-based data format derived from JavaScript object syntax. It stores data as key-value pairs and ordered lists, making it human-readable and easy for machines to parse.
JSON supports six data types: strings, numbers, objects, arrays, booleans (true/false), and null. It is the dominant format for web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange between systems.
JSON Syntax Rules
- Keys must be strings in double quotes
- String values must use double quotes (not single)
- No trailing commas after the last item
- No comments
- Numbers must not have leading zeros
Examples
{"name": "Alice", "age": 30, "active": true}
{"tools": ["JSON Formatter", "Base64", "UUID Generator"]}
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this tool.
No. JSON is a text format derived from JavaScript syntax, but it is language-agnostic. Any programming language can parse and generate JSON.
JSON is more compact and faster to parse. XML supports attributes, namespaces, and comments. JSON is the standard for modern web APIs; XML persists in enterprise systems and document formats.
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