We're sorry but this app doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please enable it to continue.

This lesson's interactive features are locked, please to keep using them

JSON Review

JSON is a stringified representation of a JavaScript object, which makes it perfect for saving to a file or sending in an HTTP request. Remember, an actual JavaScript object is something that exists only within your program's variables. If we want to send an object outside our program, for example, across the internet in an HTTP request, we need to convert it to JSON first.

JSON Isn't Just for JavaScript

Just because JSON is called JavaScript Object Notation doesn't mean it's only used by JavaScript code! JSON is a common standard that is recognized and supported by every major programming language. For example, even though Boot.dev's backend is written in Go, we still use JSON as the communication format between the front-end and backend.

Common Use-Cases

  • In HTTP request and response bodies
  • As formats for text files. .json files are often used as configuration files.
  • In NoSQL databases like MongoDB, ElasticSearch and Firestore

Pronouncing JSON

I pronounce it "Jay-sawn", but I've also heard people pronounce it "Jason" (like the name), and even "J'ai son" (Frenchily).