JSON vs XML

Overview

In this shot, we’ll learn about the difference between JSONJavascript Object Notation and XMLExtensible Markup Language. First, let’s know the definitions and basic similarities.

What is JSON?

Javascript Object Notation is commonly known as JSON. As the name suggests, it is the derivative of Javascript. JSON has its popularity level among the developers for its easy-to-read and understandable property. In addition, it also helps them to store and transfer from different data types, including the option of playing with arrays.

What is XML?

XML is an abbreviation for an extensible markup language. A case-sensitive, self-described, and type-less language is used to store and transmit the data.

The language holds similarities to HTML with respect to the structure but has different design goals.

JSON OR XML: Which is better?

JSON is considered to be better than mark-up language(XML). The data can be retrieved or parsed easily as compared to XML. As JSON has readily available JSON Object, which makes this data parsing process easier.

Here are the main points that differentiate both JSON and XML from each other:

JSON vs XML

Key points

JSON

XML

Types

JSON can be string, number, array, or Boolean.


XML data can only be String

Support browsers

Supported by many browsers.

XML data parsing across different browsers can be difficult.

Can display data

No ability to display the data.

Has the ability to display data.

Supporting data types

Text & number data types only.

It supports different data types. Like text, number, images, etc

Parsing or retrieving values

Easy to retrieve.

Difficult to retrieve.

Supports encoding

UTF-8 encoding only.

Different types of encoding are supported. Like UTF-8 and UTF-16

Support comments

Comments can not be added in JSON.

Comments can be added where needed


Easy to read

Easier and quicker to read than XML files.

Difficult to read due to larger file lengths.

Support namespaces

No support for namespaces.

XML supports namespaces

Which is more secure?

Less secure.

It is more secure.

Extension of the file

.json

.xml

Besides all this, JSON is a data-oriented language that does not use any tag to represent the data. While XML is the document-oriented language that uses tags (like the one in HTML) to represent the data.

Free Resources