Python All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 2

Juggling JSON Data

IN THIS CHAPTER

Discovering how to organize JSON data

Learning about serialization

Importing data from JSON files

Exporting Python data to JSON

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a common marshalling format for object-oriented data. Marshalling format generally means a format used to send data from one computer to another. However, some databases, such as the free Realtime Database at Google’s Firebase, store the data in JavaScript Object Notation format as well. The name JavaScript at the front sometimes throws people off, especially when you’re using Python, not JavaScript, to write your code. But don’t worry. The format just got its start in the JavaScript world and is now a widely known general-purpose format used with all kinds of computers and programming languages.

In this chapter, you learn exactly what JSON is, as well as how to export and import data to and from JSON. If you find that all the buzzwords surrounding JSON make you uncomfortable, don’t worry. We get through all the jargon first. As you’ll see, JSON data is formatted almost the ...