JSON

JavaScript Object Notation, or JSON, is a data format that consists of name/value pairs (AKA key/value pairs).

These name/value pairs are in the form of strings.

The name/value pairs are separated by a colon and each pair is separated by a comma.

Although JSON originated and is usually most closely associated with JavaScript, many (or all?) programming languages can generate and read the JSON format.

Being universal in this way has made JSON very popular as a means to store, parse, read, and share information in web apps and web services.

JSON – A Brief History

JSON originated in association with JavaScript and client-side scripting.

Douglas Crockford is the inventor of JSON and he maintains the official JSON.org website whichprovides a great level of  technical detail.