JavaScript - JSON Part 1: Introduction to JSON

What is JSON?

JSON is a text-based format that stores key-value pairs, similar to JavaScript objects. It is used to transfer data between a server and a web application. Unlike XML, JSON is lightweight, easy to read, and faster to parse.

Basic JSON Structure

{

    "name": "John Doe",

    "age": 30,

    "isStudent": false

}

Explanation:

Keys are always strings, enclosed in double quotes ("").

Values can be strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, or objects.

JSON is commonly used to send data between web applications and APIs.

Example 1: JSON vs JavaScript Object

JSON looks similar to a JavaScript object, but has stricter rules:

{ "name": "Alice", "age": 25, "city": "New York" }

JavaScript object:

const person = { name: "Alice", age: 25, city: "New York" };

Differences:

JSON requires double quotes ("") around keys.

JavaScript objects can use single quotes or omit quotes around keys.