What is JSON?

JSON is a lightweight data-interchange format originally created to hold structured data to be used in JavaScript.

JSON is:

• easy for humans to read and write.

• easy for machines to parse and generate.

• based on a subset of the JavaScript programming language.

• language independent but uses conventions familiar to programmers.

• the most common format for REST API responses.

• pronounced jay-sAHn.

Note

REST APIs usually return information in XML or JSON format; however, JSON is used most often.

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Sources

• Documenting APIs: A guide for technical writers and engineers by Tom Johnson
• Learn API Technical Writing: JSON and XML for Writers by Peter Gruenbaum
• JSON.org
• Data Base Camp