What Is JSON? - Real Python Lecture

Introduction to JSON

• JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation.
  • It is a standardized format for transferring data as text over a network.
  • Inspired by JavaScript, but now independent and supported by many languages.
  • Commonly used in APIs and databases because it is easy for both humans and machines to read.

JSON Structure

• Represents objects as name/value pairs, similar to a Python dictionary.
• Supports primitive types like strings and numbers, and complex types like arrays and nested objects.
• Indentation is supported for readability, but not required (often seen in a minified form).

Uses of JSON

• Used for transferring data over the internet where native Python objects cannot be used.
• Other similar standards include XML and YAML.
• Widely used by large platforms:
  • YouTube for account, video details, and searches.
  • Twitter for tweets.
  • Google Maps for map data.
  • NASA for public data and imagery.
• Used to access and expose information through APIs.

Working with JSON in Python

• Python provides a built-in json module to work with JSON data.
  • Functions include dump() and load() for working with JSON data.
• Serialization: Encoding data into JSON format (e.g., converting a Python list to JSON).
• Deserialization: Decoding JSON back into native Python objects (e.g., reading JSON data into a Python list).
• Allows for retrieving, filtering, and manipulating JSON data with Python programs.

Common Scenario

• Example scenario of using JSON:
  • Making a request to a web API returning data in JSON format.
  • Python can filter and manipulate this data and use libraries like matplotlib for visualization.
  • Data can be stored in a database by converting Python objects back to JSON.

Conclusion

• Understanding JSON allows for the creation of applications that interface with others.
• JSON is a crucial tool for data interchange in software development.
• Next steps include learning how to serialize Python data into JSON format.