json

.json — JavaScript Object Notation

Douglas Crockford · 2001

Developer

Douglas Crockford

What is a .json file?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, text-based data interchange format that has become the standard for web APIs and configuration files. JSON uses human-readable key-value pairs and arrays, making it easy to parse by both humans and machines. It has largely replaced XML for data exchange due to its simplicity and smaller file sizes. JSON is supported by virtually every programming language and is essential for modern web development.

Programs That Open .json Files

Platform	Program
Windows	VS Code	Free
	Notepad++	Free
	Any text editor	Free
macOS	VS Code	Free
	TextEdit	Free

Common Problems with .json Files

⚠️ Cannot open .json file

Install one of the recommended programs listed above. For a free option, try the first free program in the list.

⚠️ .json file is corrupted

Try re-downloading the file. If the file was transferred, ensure the transfer completed without errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What program opens .json files?▼

.json files can be opened with several programs. VS Code is one of the most popular choices.

Is .json a safe file format?▼

Generally yes, .json files are safe to open with appropriate software.

Can I convert .json to another format?▼

Yes, there are many online and offline tools available to convert .json files. Check the conversion section above for specific methods.

Technical Details

JavaScript Object Notation files use the application/json MIME type and were first introduced in 2001 by Douglas Crockford. The file can be identified by its signature: Plain text, starts with { or [.

Did You Know?

JavaScript Object Notation was first released in 2001 by Douglas Crockford

Security Information

.json files are generally safe to open. However, always ensure your software is up to date to protect against potential vulnerabilities.