How/when to use json?

Question

So, I know the definition of json, I know its a lightweight data format.

As I am not an expert on this subject I would like to know, when can I use JSON, in which scenarios or applications? How to do it in c#?

I suppose I would Use Json only in applications where I intend to use ajax?

I use Json to call web service methods only so that I can use javascript to show the results without a postback?

Is JSON something to be used only in web forms applications? asp.net mvc applications? silverlight? winforms?

Answer 1

Well, you ask too many questions. My personal view on JSON:

1) JSON is a good tool if you need to deal with AJAX (as Sietse pointed out it should be called AJAJ in this case) and webservices

2) JSON is a good tool if you generally need to communicate between different platforms. I used it for communication between PHP and C# program because JSON is implemented in so many languages it is natural to use it and avoid creating custom communication procotol.

Answer 2

JSON can be useful whenever you want to pass data between programs written in two different languages. It's often used in AJAX scenarios, like in your example - a Javascript client receiving data from a server written in C#. But it can be useful in any other situation where your data has to cross a language barrier.

Other alternatives to JSON are XML, SOAP, CSV, YAML, etc...

JSON is popular because it can transfer data reliably in a well-defined format (unlike CSV) and is also easily human readable (unlike SOAP).