Understanding JSON: A Beginner's Guide

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) has become the de-facto standard for data exchange on the web. It is a lightweight format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate.

Why JSON?

JSON is preferred over XML for several reasons:

• Less Verbose: It uses fewer characters than XML.
• Faster: Parsing JSON is generally faster than parsing XML.
• Language Independent: Although derived from JavaScript, JSON is supported by almost every programming language.

Basic Structure

JSON is built on two structures:

1. A collection of name/value pairs (Object).
2. An ordered list of values (Array).

{
  "name": "TinyTool",
  "features": ["Speed", "Security", "Simplicity"],
  "active": true
}

Tips for Formatting

Always ensure your JSON is valid. Common mistakes include:

• Trailing commas after the last element.
• Using single quotes instead of double quotes for keys or string values.
• Missing colons between keys and values.

Use our JSON Formatter to validate and beautify your data instantly!