The key advantages of JSON I derived from my reading of the various articles and from HRA are:
* Much simpler than XML because it is not a markup language and a natural representation of data.
* JSON is better data exchange format, XML is a better document exchange format.
* JSON is easier to read for machines with no/thin client-side library.
* JSON is a natural fit for data consumption by browser clients, for example Ajax components.
* Ability to represent general data structures: records, lists and trees.
* Wikipedia entry for JSON reports parsing and generating JSON support in 21 languages.
There are some disadvantages as well:
* JSON format is hard to read for humans; for example complicated-looking syntax, like the }}]} at the end of data snippet is frightening and debugging pain.
* JSON does not have a <[CDATA[]]> feature, so it is not well suited to act as a carrier of sounds or images or other large binary payloads.
*Unlike XML, JSON does not provide any display capabilities because it is not a document markup language. JSON was not even intended for that purpose.
* JSON is not extensible - it does not need to be because it's not a document markup language.
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