What is JSON?
JSON is a simple text format for structured data that both people and computers can read.
JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. Do not let the name throw you off, it is used everywhere, not just in JavaScript. JSON is the most common way for two systems on the internet to exchange structured information. When an API sends data back, it almost always sends JSON.
The format is tiny. You have keys and values, wrapped in curly braces. Values can be text, numbers, true or false, lists, or other nested objects. That is enough to describe almost anything an application cares about, from a single user to a complex order with line items.
When you work with AI coding tools, you will see JSON often. AI configs, API responses, package files, and many settings are all JSON. Knowing how to read it at a glance saves you a lot of time.
Example
{
"id": 42,
"email": "matt@delac.io",
"is_admin": true,
"tags": ["founder", "early-user"]
}Related terms
Want to use JSON in real work?
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