JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) files are a standard format for transmitting data objects consisting of attribute-value pairs. They are widely used for data interchange between a server and a web application. These files are text-based, using human-readable syntax for easy parsing and generation. A sample entry might look like this: {"name": "Example", "value": 123}
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The format’s prevalence stems from its simplicity and compatibility across various programming languages. Its human-readable nature simplifies debugging and data inspection. Furthermore, its lightweight structure contributes to faster data transfer speeds and reduced bandwidth consumption, particularly beneficial in web-based applications and APIs. The adoption of this format represents a significant advancement in efficient data communication, replacing more verbose formats like XML in many contexts.