In website development, JSON is a derivative of the JavaScript programming language that is usually used for data storage and transfer. This data format is widely chosen by developers because it tends to be lighter, easier to understand, and displays well-structured data.
So, what is JSON data and how do you use it? Through this article, we will explain complete information about JSON including its functions and advantages. Keep watching until the end, okay!
What is JSON?
In the JavaScript programming language, JSON is a file format used to store, read, and transfer data between web servers. Information stored in this file format is generally more structured and simple. This is why JSON is often used as an alternative to replace Extensive Markup Language (XML).
Broadly speaking, a JSON file consists of two structures so that its function can run correctly. The first structure is a set of paired values, such as ‘object’, while the second structure is a sequential list of values, such as ‘array’. Apart from that, JSON also support other programming languages, including Pythons, PHP, C++, Ruby, and Perl.
Apart from that, some people often equate JSON with XML even though the two are different. JSON only requires one line of code to convert text to JavaScript. Meanwhile, XML requires more lines of code based on the elements you want to parse, making it more difficult to convert to JavaScript.
JSON function
The JSON function is basically almost the same as XML, namely for data storage and transfer. This format allows developers to create a page whose information content can be updated without having to reload the page. Therefore, JSON is suitable for websites that require high speed, such as web-based applications.
JSON is used more often because it is considered to offer more advantages than XML, including:
- Code is easier for users to read and understand;
- The code structure is simpler; And
- Friendly file size.
The difference between JSON and XML
Even though they have almost the same function, JSON and XML are two different things. Especially when viewed in terms of elements, extensions, and their application.
- Elements: JSON stores elements efficiently, but look untidy, while XML stores elements that are easy to read but less efficient.
- Extension: The JSON file extension is .json, while XML is .xml.
- Implementation: JSON is used to transmit data over the internet, while XML stores structured data that is generally used to annotate.
To make it easier for you to understand, we will provide an example, as a comparison between JSON and XML. First, pay attention sample JSON code below this:
{"users": [
{"username":"James", "domicile":"Chicago"},
{"username":"Mary", "domicile":"Houston"},
{"username":"Robert", "domicile":"Phoenix"},
{"username":"Patricia", "domicile":"Philadelphia"}
] }Next, pay attention sample XML code following:
<users>
<user>
<username>James</username> <domicile>Chicago</domicile>
</user>
<user>
<username>Mary</username> <domicile>Houston</domicile>
</user>
<user>
<username>Robert</username> <domicile>Phoenix</domicile>
</user>
<user>
<username>Patricia</username> <domicile>Philadelphia</domicile>
</user>
</users>Based on the examples above, you can see that the JSON code is much more concise, simpler, and easier for humans to understand. In addition, the results are more satisfying because the data loading process is lighter and faster.
Advantages and Disadvantages of JSON
After understanding what JSON is and its functions, you also need to know its advantages and disadvantages. Without lingering, see the review below.
Advantages of JSON
The following are the advantages of JSON:
- The data parsing process on the server-side is faster.
- Data can be stored in the form of an array to facilitate the data transfer process.
- Support for other programming languages, such as Python, C++, PHP, Ruby, and Perl.
- Simpler syntax with space-friendly size.
Disadvantages of JSON
The following are disadvantages of JSON:
- Even though it offers many conveniences, JSON is more vulnerable to being hacked.
- The coding format is a little difficult to understand, especially for beginners.
How to Use JSON
There are two important things that you need to pay attention to if you want to use JSON, namely Syntax and Value. These two things play an important role so that the JSON file can be executed according to the purpose for which it was created. For those who don’t understand, we will explain the information using sentences that are easy to understand.
Syntax
JSON always begins and ends with curly braces or dashes { }. Well, the syntax itself is divided into two elements, viz keys And value both of which are separated by a colon (:). Consider the simple JSON syntax example below:
{"name":"John", "status":"Single"}Based on the above syntax, example keys is “name”, while “John” is value. Both are always preceded by double quotes without a space. However, if there is more than one key and value pair, you can separate them with a comma (,) followed by a space.
Value Types
In JSON, there are six types of value types that you should know about, including string, object, array, boolean, number, and null. To better understand, see the explanation of each JSON value below.
1. Strings
A string is a value consisting of an ordered string of Unicode characters enclosed in double quotation marks. For example, like “Jennifer” in the example below:
"name":"Jennifer"2. Objects
Objects are always opened and ended with curly brackets containing the key and value. Just like the previous example, if there is more than one pair of objects, they must be separated by a comma followed by a space. Examples as follows:
“talent”: {“name”:”Jennifer”, “location”:”Dallas”}3. Arrays
The array is a collection of values arranged in sequence. This value type always opens and closes with a sign [ ] or angle brackets. Here’s an example of the code:
"talent":[
{"name":"Michael", "location":"California"},
{"name":"Linda", "location":"Chicago"},
{"name":"David", "location":"Illionis"}
]4. Booleans
Boolean is a value type that contains a true or false statement. Here’s an example of the code:
“married”:”true”5. Numbers
In JSON, number is a value type in the form of a number that must be an integer or an integer. In other words, you can’t make 12.7 a value. Examples like the following:
“age”:”19”6. Null
Null is a type of value or an empty value which indicates that there is no information. Below is an example of the code:
"Blood type": "null"Conclusion
Up here, of course, you already know what JSON is, starting from its meaning, functions, advantages, and how to use it. JSON is a file format used to store, read, and transfer data between web servers in a more structured manner. Apart from JavaScript, JSON also support other popular programming languages, such as Python, C++, PHP, Perl, and so on.
