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JSON - Introduction

The document introduces JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) as a syntax for storing and exchanging data that is easier to use than XML. It provides an example of a JSON object defining an "employees" array with three records, and compares it to similar XML code. Key points covered include that JSON is language-independent, self-describing, and can be easily converted to native JavaScript objects.

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Jenila Vincent
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56 views4 pages

JSON - Introduction

The document introduces JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) as a syntax for storing and exchanging data that is easier to use than XML. It provides an example of a JSON object defining an "employees" array with three records, and compares it to similar XML code. Key points covered include that JSON is language-independent, self-describing, and can be easily converted to native JavaScript objects.

Uploaded by

Jenila Vincent
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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JSON - Introduction

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JSON: JavaScript Object Notation.

JSON is a syntax for storing and exchanging data.

JSON is an easier-to-use alternative to XML.

The following JSON example defines an employees object, with an array of 3


employee records:

JSON Example
{"employees":[
{"firstName":"John", "lastName":"Doe"},
{"firstName":"Anna", "lastName":"Smith"},
{"firstName":"Peter", "lastName":"Jones"}
]}

The following XML example also defines an employees object with 3 employee
records:

XML Example
<employees>
<employee>
<firstName>John</firstName> <lastName>Doe</lastName>
</employee>
<employee>
<firstName>Anna</firstName> <lastName>Smith</lastName>
</employee>
<employee>
<firstName>Peter</firstName> <lastName>Jones</lastName>
</employee>
</employees>
What is JSON?
 JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation
 JSON is a lightweight data-interchange format
 JSON is language independent *
 JSON is "self-describing" and easy to understand

* JSON uses JavaScript syntax, but the JSON format is text only, just like XML.
Text can be read and used as a data format by any programming language.

JSON - Evaluates to JavaScript Objects


The JSON format is syntactically identical to the code for creating JavaScript
objects.

Because of this similarity, instead of using a parser (like XML does), a


JavaScript program can use standard JavaScript functions to convert JSON data
into native JavaScript objects.

Try it Yourself
With our editor, you can edit JavaScript code online and click on a button to
view the result:

JSON Example
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>

<h2>JSON Object Creation in JavaScript</h2>

<p id="demo"></p>

<script>
var text = '{"name":"John Johnson","street":"Oslo West
16","phone":"555 1234567"}';
var obj = JSON.parse(text);

document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML =
obj.name + "<br>" +
obj.street + "<br>" +
obj.phone;
</script>

</body>
</html>

Try it Yourself »

Much Like XML Because


 Both JSON and XML are "self describing" (human readable)
 Both JSON and XML are hierarchical (values within values)
 Both JSON and XML can be parsed and used by lots of programming
languages
 Both JSON and XML can be fetched with an XMLHttpRequest

Much Unlike XML Because


 JSON doesn't use end tag
 JSON is shorter
 JSON is quicker to read and write
 JSON can use arrays

The biggest difference is:

XML has to be parsed with an XML parser. JSON can be parsed by a standard
JavaScript function.

Why JSON?
For AJAX applications, JSON is faster and easier than XML:
Using XML

 Fetch an XML document


 Use the XML DOM to loop through the document
 Extract values and store in variables

Using JSON

 Fetch a JSON string


 JSON.Parse the JSON string

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