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JSON

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, text-based data-interchange format used to represent structured data in a human-readable form.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, text-based data-interchange format used to represent structured data in a human-readable form. It is language-independent and widely supported across programming languages, making it common for web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange between systems.

Overview

JSON is a compact, human-readable format for representing structured data. It is designed to be easy for both people and machines to read, write, parse, and generate.

Syntax and data model

A JSON document is built from objects and arrays, with objects using string keys and values. JSON does not natively include more complex types such as functions or dates.

Use cases

JSON is widely used in web development, mobile apps, APIs, configuration files, and system-to-system data exchange. Its simplicity and broad language support have made it a common interchange standard.

Standardization

JSON is specified by multiple standards, including ECMA-404 and RFC 8259. These define the syntax and formal rules for valid JSON text.

Key facts

  • JSON is a text format for serializing structured data.
  • It is language-independent, despite being derived from JavaScript.
  • JSON values can include objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, and null.
  • JSON is widely used for exchanging data between clients and servers, especially in web applications.
  • Most major programming languages include tools to generate and parse JSON.
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Canadian context

JSON has no uniquely Canadian origin, but it is widely used in Canadian software development, public-sector systems, and web services, including applications that exchange structured data through APIs.

Frequently asked questions

What does JSON stand for?
JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation.
Is JSON a programming language?
No. JSON is a data format, not a programming language.
What kinds of data can JSON represent?
JSON can represent objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, and null.
Why is JSON popular?
It is lightweight, readable, easy to parse, and supported by most programming languages.
What file extension does JSON usually use?
JSON files commonly use the extension .json.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JSON
    Supports: General definition, language independence, file extension, and common usage
  2. JSON.org — https://www.json.org/json-en
    Supports: Lightweight format, ease of reading and parsing, and JavaScript-based origin
  3. MDN Web Docs — https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/JSON
    Supports: Supported data types, relationship to JavaScript, and limitations
  4. IETF — https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc7159
    Supports: Text-based, language-independent data interchange format derived from ECMAScript
  5. JSON Schema — https://json-schema.org/learn/glossary
    Supports: Widespread use and parser support across programming languages
  6. Oracle — https://www.oracle.com/database/what-is-json/
    Supports: Common web/mobile use, human-readable and machine-parsable nature