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, while JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format. XML is more verbose and supports complex data structures, whereas JSON is simpler and easier to read.

Which one is better for web APIs?

JSON is generally preferred for web APIs due to its lightweight nature and ease of use with JavaScript. It also has faster parsing times compared to XML.

Can you give examples of when to use each?

Use XML when you need to represent complex data structures or require features like namespaces. Use JSON for web applications and APIs where performance and simplicity are key.

What about data validation?

XML has built-in validation features like DTD and XML Schema, while JSON relies on external libraries for validation, making XML more robust in this aspect.