What is the Difference Between JSON and XML?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚JSON and XML are both data representations used in data exchange between applications, but they have some key differences:
- Complexity: XML is a markup language with a more complex structure, using tags to differentiate between data attributes and actual data. JSON, on the other hand, is a data format that extends from JavaScript and does not use tags, making it more compact and easier to read for humans.
- File Size: JSON can represent the same data in a smaller file size, making it more efficient for data transfer.
- Ease of Use: JSON is generally easier to read and write compared to XML, and its parsing is also simpler.
- Security: JSON parsing is considered safer than XML parsing.
- Data Types: JSON supports only text and number data types, while XML supports various data types, such as numbers, text, images, charts, graphs, etc..
- Namespace Support: JSON does not provide namespace support, while XML does.
- Display Capabilities: JSON has no display capabilities, whereas XML offers the capability to display data.
In summary, JSON is generally a better choice for APIs, mobile apps, and data storage, while XML is better suited for complex document structures that require data exchange.
Comparative Table: JSON vs XML
Here is a table comparing the differences between JSON and XML:
| Feature | JSON | XML |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | JavaScript Object Notation | Extensible Markup Language |
| Origin | Released in 2001 by Douglas Crockford and Chip Morningstar | Released in 1998 by the XML Working Group |
| Format | Lightweight, easy to read and write | More complex, bulky files, harder to read and write |
| Data Types | Supports numbers, objects, strings, and Boolean arrays | Supports all JSON data types and additional types like Boolean, dates, images, and namespaces |
| File Size | Smaller file sizes, faster data transmission | Larger file sizes, slower data transmission |
| Arrays | Supports arrays | Does not support arrays |
| Namespaces | Does not provide namespace support | Provides namespace support |
| Display Capabilities | No display capabilities | Offers the capability to display data |
| Security | Less secure compared to XML | More secure compared to JSON |
| Encoding | Supports only UTF-8 encoding | Supports various encoding formats |
JSON is a more flexible and popular option, suitable for APIs, mobile apps, and data storage. XML is better suited for complex document structures that require data exchange. JSON is based on JavaScript and is easier to understand and generate, while XML is a markup language derived from SGML.
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