JSON developers use JSON as an alternative data interchange format to XML. XML is widely used to exchange data in a heterogeneous environment. However, some developers consider XML as too verbose for exchanges between a web browser and a web server as part of a rich internet application. For more information about XML, see Use XML with ABL Applications.

JSON's appeal as an alternative to XML comes from smaller HTTP messages and less complicated syntax. The smaller messages and simpler syntax can provide a significant performance advantage over XML. As a result, JSON is popular for rich service based applications.