JSON and JavaScript object literals appear so alike that it’s simple to confuse one for the other. Both utilize curly braces, both structure data in key-value pairs, and both are employed in contemporary web development. However, do not be misled by their resemblance, as they fulfill distinct roles and adhere to differing regulations.
In this article, you will discover all the distinctions in straightforward terms and comprehend when to employ JSON and when to utilize object literals in your programming.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a text-based format used for storing and transforming data. It was influenced by the syntax of JavaScript object literals, which is the primary reason why they seem so alike. Nonetheless, JSON is language-agnostic and is crafted to be easily parsed by machines and legible for humans.
Example:
{
"name": "Intellipaat",
"age": 2008,
"location": "Bangalore"
}
JSON is always a string. Although it resembles a JavaScript object, it must be parsed into an object before it can be utilized in JavaScript.
What are JavaScript Object Literals?
A JavaScript object literal is a method of directly defining objects in your code. It is not merely a structure; it is a fully operational object that can encompass any type of data, such as functions, symbols, and other objects in key-value pairs.
Example:
Javascript
Code Copied!
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editor65709.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor65709.clearSelection();
editor65709.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML65709(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, “text/html”);
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard65709() {
const code = editor65709.getValue(); // Get code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
jQuery(“.maineditor65709 .copymessage”).show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(“.maineditor65709 .copymessage”).hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error(“Error copying code: “, err);
});
}
function runCode65709() {
var code = editor65709.getSession().getValue();
jQuery.ajax({
url: “https://intellipaat.com/blog/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php”,
type: “post”,
data: {
language: “js”,
code: code,
cmd_line_args: “”,
variablenames: “”,
action:”compilerajax”
},
success: function(response) {
var myArray = response.split(“~”);
var data = myArray[1];
jQuery(“.output65709”).html(“
"+data+"");
jQuery(".maineditor65709 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn65709 i.run-code").hide();
}
});
}
function closeoutput65709() {
jQuery(".maineditor65709 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn65709").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard65709);
document.getElementById("runBtn65709").addEventListener("click", runCode65709);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn65709").addEventListener("click", closeoutput65709);
Output:
Explanation: Object literals are versatile and robust, making them particularly suitable for creating dynamic behavior in your application.
Difference between JSON and JavaScript Object Literals
Here are several crucial distinctions between JSON and JavaScript object literals. Let’s examine them:
``````html
Attribute
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation
Function
JSON is specifically crafted to store and transfer data between systems, particularly across the internet.
JavaScript object notation is utilized directly within code to describe objects along with their attributes and values.
Supported Data Types
Accepts fundamental data types – strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, null, and other objects. Functions, undefined, or unique types like Date are not supported.
Can accommodate any data type recognized by JavaScript, including undefined functions, symbols, and specialized objects such as Dates and Maps.
Quoting Rules
All identifiers and string values are enclosed in double quotes.
Identifiers may be unquoted, and both single and double quotes can be employed for string values.
Functions Permitted
No, functions are prohibited in JSON.
Yes, object literals can include methods.
Comments Permitted
No, comments are not permissible.
JavaScript object literals can allow single-line and multi-line comments.
Nature as String or Object
JSON is intrinsically a string. It signifies data but needs to be parsed to transform into an object, which can be utilized in code.
Object literals are genuine objects, immediately applicable in code without any need for parsing or transformation.
Parsing and Transforming Between Two Formats
If you need to transition from a JavaScript object to JSON, or the other way around, JavaScript provides two essential methods to accomplish this:
Transform a JavaScript Object to JSON
Transforming a JavaScript object into JSON is a straightforward task in JavaScript. To achieve this, you must utilize JSON.stringify().
function closeoutput67966() {
var code = editor67966.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor67966 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn67966").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard67966);
document.getElementById("runBtn67966").addEventListener("click", runCode67966);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn67966").addEventListener("click", closeoutput67966);
Result:
Clarification: The JSON.stringify() function in JavaScript serves to convert a JavaScript object into JSON Format.
Transform JSON into JavaScript Object
Transforming JSON data into a JavaScript object can be executed with the JSON.parse() function in JavaScript.
Example:
Javascript
Code Duplicated!
// ... Further code omitted for brevity ...
``````javascript
isMobile = window.innerWidth ");
editor91784.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor91784.clearSelection();
editor91784.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML91784(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard91784() {
const code = editor91784.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code copied to clipboard!");
function closeoutput91784() {
var code = editor91784.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor91784 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn91784").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard91784);
document.getElementById("runBtn91784").addEventListener("click", runCode91784);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn91784").addEventListener("click", closeoutput91784);
Output:
Explanation: In this instance, you’re utilizing JSON.parse() function to interpret JSON data and transform it into a JavaScript object.
When to Employ Each: JSON and JavaScript Object Literals
JSON
JavaScript Object Literals
For transmitting and receiving information from a server (like RESTful APIs).
While composing client-side JavaScript code.
For saving configuration details in a file.
When you wish to incorporate behavior to your data using functions/methods.
You require a text format that can be interpreted by other systems or programming languages.
While handling in-memory state in your application.
Conclusion
Despite the numerous similarities between JSON and the JavaScript object literal, they are designed for distinct purposes. JSON is a format utilized for data transfer, requiring adherence to strict guidelines. Conversely, JavaScript object literals are adaptable and employed in crafting client-side logic. Grasping each concept will aid you in producing clearer, more efficient, and error-free code.
JSON vs JavaScript Object Literal – FAQs
Q1. Can JSON be used directly in JavaScript?
No, JSON cannot be directly utilized in JavaScript. Since JSON is a string, you must parse it using JSON.parse() to operate as a JavaScript object.
Q2. Is JSON quicker than JS objects?
JSON parsing and stringifying processes are rapid, yet JavaScript objects are already held in memory and do not demand parsing. For actions within your code, JS objects are swifter as they do not require conversion.
Q3. What occurs to functions when you stringify an object?
Functions are excluded from JSON. If your object contains functions, they will be disregarded while employing JSON.stringify().
Q4. What distinguishes JSON from an object?
JSON serves as a string format for data, whereas objects are tangible data structures in JavaScript capable of encompassing values and behavior.
Q5. What is {} referred to in JSON?
In JSON, {} symbolizes an object, akin to JavaScript. However, in JSON, it’s a segment of a string that describes the data, not an authentic JavaScript object until it’s parsed.
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