JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a light-weighted designed notation for humans to easily read data interchange and its execution. Json is based on the object notation of JavaScript language and its standard only. However, it does not require JavaScript to read or write because it is made in text format which is language independent and can be run everywhere. This property of JSON is useful in developing mobile Apps.

When it comes to the development of mobile apps, the companies like Matrix Marketers adopt the combination of REST + JSON API for mobile apps. The communication between different platforms such as iOS and Android. The focus in future is to make the data transfer and integration of app developing in various platforms compatible.

In this post, we are listing advantages of JSON and Rest and their use in mobile apps.

JSON notation contains these basic elements

1. Objects: Objects begin and end with curly braces ({}).
2. Object Members:  Members consist of strings and values commas(,) separated
3. Arrays:  Arrays begin and end with braces and contain different values.
4. Values: A value can be a string, can be an object, an array, or the literals

JSON is Faster:

JSON syntax is very easy to use. We have to use only -> as a syntax which provides us an easy parsing of the data and faster execution of the data. Since its syntax is very small and light weighted that’s the reason that it executes the response in the faster way.

Schema Support:

It has the wide range of supported browser compatibility with the operating systems so the applications made with the coding of JSON doesn’t require much effort to make it all browser compatible. During development, the developer thinks for the different browsers but JSON provides that functionality.

Server Parsing:

If the fast response to the JSON request is received on the server that will make the parsing easy and a strong property which can be used in apps.

Tool for sharing data:

Any data, audio, video of any size can be effectively shared using JSON tool.This is because JSON stores the data in the arrays so data transfer makes easier. This type of storage is quite useful in building mobile applications.

Disadvantages of JSON:

First and foremost, in JSON has no error handling for JSON calls. If the dynamic script insertion works, you get called and will get the response perfectly. If not inserted, nothing happens. It just fails silently. For example, you are not able to catch a 404 error from the server, Nor can you cancel or restart the request.

Use of JSON can be quite dangerous if we are using untrusted network or browsers, because a JSON service returns a JSON response wrapped in a function call, which will be executed by the browser if it will be used with untrusted browser it can be hacked, this makes the hosting Web Application Vulnerable to a variety of attacks. Knowing threats before using JSON will be quite useful for effective JSON development.

JSON is normally used with REST in the mobile Apps. A few advantages of that are:

Size

The use of REST- JSON send less data to the network which becomes quite useful for mobile device to work independently.

Efficiency

REST-JSON is also easier to parse the data so therefore easier to extract and convert the data, so therefore requires much less from the CPU from the client.

Caching

A high response time and better server loading time is notices in apps developed using REST – JSON as JSON provides better caching facilities.

Implementation

REST-JSON interfaces are much easier to design and implement.

When it comes to develop advanced apps having various features like better communication facility, easy downloading and data sharing services with better response time and usage, REST- JSON is better than SOAP-XML.

Conclusion

In developing mobile applications, many new technologies are coming. Use of JSON and REST APIs are quite useful in developing mobile applications. However, it is not an ideal environment but still it can solve many issues faced during app development.

Matrix Marketers is a mobile development company which is using API approach to develop successful apps. For building apps using JSON and REST, you may contact us