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JSON

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight and simple format used to exchange data between systems. It is written in a text-based, human-readable form and is mainly used to send data between a web server and a browser. JSON represents data using key-value pairs, arrays, and objects, making it easy for machines to read and for humans to understand.

Key Features of JSON

  1. Language-Independent: Though it originated from JavaScript, JSON can be used with many programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
  2. Data Format: Data is organized in name/value pairs and stored within curly braces for objects or square brackets for arrays.
  3. Human-Readable: JSON’s simple structure makes it easy for developers and non-technical users to read and write.

Example of JSON

A simple JSON example for storing employee data would look like this:

{
   "employees": [
      {"firstName": "John", "lastName": "Doe"},
      {"firstName": "Jane", "lastName": "Smith"}
   ]
}

This format shows how you can store structured information that is easy to process and exchange between systems.

Why JSON is Popular

JSON is commonly used in web applications due to its compatibility with most programming languages, simplicity, and ability to handle complex data structures like arrays and objects. It’s frequently used as an alternative to XML for transmitting data between a server and a client​.

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