What are the differences between XML and JSON?

What are the differences between XML and JSON?

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a markup language that defines rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), on the other hand, is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate.

Which one is better for data interchange?

It depends on the use case. JSON is generally preferred for web APIs due to its simplicity and smaller size, while XML is better for complex documents that require metadata.

Can you give examples of when to use each?

Use JSON for web applications and APIs where speed and efficiency are crucial. Use XML for configuration files or when you need to enforce a strict schema.

Are there any performance differences?

Yes, JSON is typically faster to parse and generates smaller payloads compared to XML, making it more efficient for data interchange.