What is the difference between JSON and XML serialization?

What is the difference between JSON and XML serialization?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that's easy to read and write, while XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is more verbose and designed to store and transport data with a focus on structure.

Which one is better for web APIs?

JSON is generally preferred for web APIs due to its simplicity and smaller size, which leads to faster parsing and less bandwidth usage.

Can you give me an example of JSON and XML data?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

JSON:

{"name": "John", "age": 30}

XML:

<person>
  <name>John</name>
  <age>30</age>
</person>

Are there any situations where XML is preferred?

Yes, XML is preferred when document structure and metadata are important, such as in complex configurations or when using namespaces.