Compare
XML vs JSON
XML and JSON are text formats for structured data, but use different structures and conventions.
Which format should you choose?
Choose JSON for many lightweight APIs; choose XML when a schema, namespace, document structure, or existing integration requires it.
Good fit for XML
Structured-data exchange
- Data with schemas and hierarchical structure
Good fit for JSON
Web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange
- Transferring structured data
Basic information
| Field | XML | JSON |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .xml | .json |
| MIME type | application/xml | application/json |
| Common uses | Structured-data exchange | Web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange |
| How to open | Open it in a text editor or XML-aware tool. Check the expected encoding and schema where applicable. | Open it in a text editor, IDE, or JSON-aware viewer. |
| Export or convert | Convert it to JSON or another format when required by the receiving system, and confirm that structure and attributes are retained. | Applications or conversion tools can convert it to formats such as CSV. |
Choose by use case
Data with schemas and hierarchical structure
Structured-data exchange
XMLTransferring structured data
Web APIs, configuration files, and data exchange
JSONKey point 1
XML uses elements and attributes.
More on the differencesKey point 2
JSON uses objects, arrays, and a compact set of value types.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Check the receiving system's contract and parser. Conversion may change attributes, mixed content, or application-level types.
- XML supports namespaces and schema languages.
- JSON is common for web API data exchange.
- Neither format is universally preferable; ecosystem and contract determine the fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can every XML document be converted to JSON without loss?
Not always. The formats model structure differently; verify attributes, mixed content, ordering, and types for your data.