What is JSON?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is one of the most popular data formats used for storing, exchanging, and transferring data across web applications and APIs.
What is JSON?
JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It is a lightweight, text-based data format designed to be easy for humans to read and write, and simple for machines to parse and generate. Even though JSON originates from JavaScript, it is completely language-independent and is supported by almost all programming languages including Python, Java, PHP, C#, and Go.
JSON is commonly used in web development for APIs, configuration files, databases, mobile apps, and server-to-client communication. Because of its simplicity and readability, JSON has replaced XML in many modern applications.
What is a JSON File?
A JSON file is a file that stores data using the JSON format and usually has a .json extension. A JSON file contains structured data made up of key-value pairs, objects, and arrays.
{
"name": "John Doe",
"age": 30,
"email": "john@example.com",
"skills": ["JavaScript", "React", "Node.js"],
"isActive": true
}In this example, each key has a value. JSON supports strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, objects, and null values.
What is JSON Format?
JSON format follows a simple structure using curly braces for objects and square brackets for arrays. Data is written in key-value pairs, where keys are always strings and values can be different data types. Proper formatting (indentation and spacing) makes JSON easier to read and debug.
Developers often use JSON with APIs and tools like our online JSON Formatter to clean and format JSON data before using it in applications.
How to Open a JSON File
- Open with a text editor like VS Code, Sublime Text, or Notepad++
- Open directly in a web browser
- Use an online JSON Viewer or JSON Formatter
- Load using programming languages like JavaScript or Python
How to Open JSON File in Excel
- Open Microsoft Excel
- Go to Data → Get Data → From File → From JSON
- Select your JSON file
- Transform and load the data into rows and columns
How to Use Our JSON Formatter Tool
Our online JSON Formatter helps you beautify, validate, and format JSON instantly without installing any software.
- Paste your JSON into the input box
- Click the Format / Beautify button
- View formatted JSON in the output panel
- Copy or download the formatted JSON
- Works perfectly on mobile and desktop
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is JSON used for?
JSON is used for APIs, data storage, configuration files, and communication between servers and clients.
Is JSON human-readable?
Yes, JSON is designed to be easy for humans to read and write.
Can JSON files be edited?
Yes, JSON files can be edited using any text editor or an online JSON editor.