What is JSON?

JSON

- JSON stands for Javascript Object Notation.
- It's a message format, used for interchanging data.
- JSON is based on the Javascript.
- JSON is lightweight than XML and modern webservices use JSON to exchange data.
- JSON can store data in Name/Value pairs and Ordered List.

Here is a simple example of JSON. 

{"employees":[
    {"firstName":"John", "lastName":"Doe"},
    {"firstName":"Anna", "lastName":"Smith"},
    {"firstName":"Peter", "lastName":"Jones"}
]}

Difference between encoding and Encryption

Encoding: transforms data into another format using a scheme that is publicly available so that it can easily be reversed and can be transmitted without danger over a communication channel or stored without danger on a storage medium. 

Algorithms Used in Encoding: ASCII, Unicode, URL Encoding, Base64. 

Example: Binary data being sent over email, or viewing special characters on a web page.

Encryption: transforms data into another format in such a way that only specific individual(s) can reverse the transformation.

Encryption method uses secret keys : the algorithm is well-known, but the encryption and decryption process requires having the same key for both operations, and the key is then kept secret.

Algorithms Used in Encryption: AES, Blowfish, RSA ...  

Example: Sending someone a secret letter that only they should be able to read, or securely sending a password over the Internet.