What Is XML And JSON? Their Applications And 5 Best Tools For Converting XML Files To JSON

Converting XML to JSON seems to be the trend nowadays. So, why should you be doing it? 

XML and JSON are two of the leading coding languages for web-based applications. Their implications in modern apps and software go far beyond, and we use them daily. So, what exactly are they? How would you define the two of them?

Today, we’re going to talk about the key aspects of XML and JSON and what makes them unique. Then, we’ll also talk about their applications and the best tools you can use to convert XML files into JSON. So, let’s get started. 

What is XML?

XML is a markup language that is used to store data in a format that can be read and processed by various systems. XML is also a data storage format that provides a way to store and transfer data. It is an open standard, which means that there are many free software applications available for it. 

XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. XML comprises two components: an XML declaration or document type definition (DTD), which tells the reading system how to process the document, and one or more elements, each with its own attributes and content.

Its standard is called one of the most flexible ways to create data clusters and share huge chunks of data without wasting resources. That’s why it’s used via the public network or corporate networks all the same. A few key things to understand about XML include: 

• It was first developed in 1996 by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and was designed to store and transport data between different applications. 
• XML is used by programmers to design their own formats for storing information, such as contact lists or books in a library.
• XML is one of the most popular markup languages on the web today, with over 25 billion pages using it. 
• XML offers a way for programmers to store and exchange data without having to use proprietary formats from specific vendors, like Microsoft Word documents or Excel spreadsheets.

The primary function of XML is to create data formats. In other words, it’s a coding language that encodes key information within the documentation, databases, and other indexes, allowing easier search and access.

Another way to describe XML’s abilities is by the fact that this coding language is used to encode important information in the shape of database records, documentation, and even transactions. So, if it’s numbered data, then XML is there to save the day.

Rather, XML is there to improve and ensure that the data is generated by creating unrelated and dissimilar content types. This includes a variety of content clusters, such as:

• Website content—both written and visual;
• Mobile content – usable, generated, interactive and consumable;
• Print content, including papers, magazines, etc.

As long as all of these are based on XML data, they can be generated easily. But, what’s more, important to understand about XML is the fact that it uses the same American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII).

So, it’s much like its predecessor used in markup languages: Hypertext Markup Language or HTML. Hence, it makes it easier for the documents to be stored. Moreover, it also makes it easier to edit or use the text in any text editor quite easily. 

What is JSON?

JSON is a data format that is used to store data in a hierarchical form. JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It was originally designed as a subset of the JavaScript programming language so that data could be written in a lightweight, text-based format that is easy for humans to read and write.

JSON is a standard-text-based format that allows the user/coder to represent structured-based data with the help of JavaScript object Syntax. That’s why it’s important to understand its key attributes, as it’s simple to read and understand.

So, some of the major characteristics of JSON include:

• JSON is a lightweight, text-based data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write. 
• It is a lightweight, language-independent text format that uses conventions that are familiar to programmers of the C family of languages, including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Perl, and Python.
• JSON is often used for serializing and transmitting structured data over a network connection. 
• It was derived from the JavaScript scripting language for representing simple data structures and associative arrays (called objects).

Another way to describe the purpose of JSON is that it helps ensure swift data transmissions between two points. And, since it’s being used thoroughly in web apps, it easily allows sending data from the consumer to the server and vice versa.

And another key way to define the major traits of JSON is the fact that it uses JavaScript Object Syntax, but that’s where the resemblance ends. Even though it’s thoroughly familiar with JavaScript’s literal syntax, one can almost use it independently and without any further inference from Java.

That’s why it features various parsing and generation tactics that are independent of the parsing and generation tactics of JavaScript and its pertaining libraries. However, it’s also important to understand that a JSON String format will still resemble JS literal format.

That’s why one can include the same attributes as a common JSON structure, such as:

• Strings;
• Numbers;
• Arrays;
• Booleans;
• Object literals;
• Constructed data hierarchy.

Therefore, it’ll be using the same methods of development as other JavaScript strings. But, it is important to understand that JSON text would still resemble JavaScript Objects. So, inside a string, you can also convert arrays from or to JSON by using this method:

This tells you that you’d have access to all the key array essentials, even in the parsed version. So, you have a perfectly valid JSON, using the string array and coding techniques from JavaScript object literal format. 

An object literal is a JavaScript expression that creates an object. It can be used with the JSON.stringify() function in order to convert an object into its JSON string representation, which can then be stored in a text file or transmitted over a network connection.

Thus, a JSON array is one of the three types of arrays available in JavaScript: indexed arrays, associative arrays, and multidimensional arrays. The array elements are objects of any type (including other arrays).

That’s why JSON data format uses JavaScript Object Notation to store and exchange data. It is used primarily to transmit data between a server and a web application as an alternative to XML.

Applications of XML 

XML is used in various aspects of website development and web-based applications. It’s one of the primary ways to ensure the separation of data from presentation, as it allows for thorough and error-free development.

The implication and application of XML in web development can be summed up by the fact that XML does not carry out information as you see it. So, “what you see is what you get” is something that’s not a luxury in XML.

Instead, it doesn’t carry any information the way it’ll be displayed in the final version of the application. Another way to describe it is the fact that you can use the same coded XML data in various presentation scenarios. 

Hence, XML presents a complete separation between visual presentation and data used behind the screen. So, to sum it up:

• XML is key in separating viable data from visual presentation;
• XML is often used as a complementary element to primary HTML codes;
• XML is ideal for separating key data from HTML and its pertaining code.

Hence, when HTML can be used to format and display key data, XML can be used to store it or transport it from one end to another—i.e., from the user’s end to the server and vice versa. 

On the other hand, when you use data in HTML, the data is presented in the same file. Whereas in XML, you can store the data in separate files. Then, all you need is a few tweaks and the addition of JavaScript code to read the XML file.

Hence, it’ll allow you to update the data contained in any HTML page without having to tweak it with separate data for it. 

Applications of JSON

JSON is very readable by humans, which is why it’s one of the best web and app development formats. One of the many reasons that it’s possible is because of the fact that it was initially designed on JavaScript Object Notation.

However, since its unfathomable growth in popularity, it has ensured various languages around the globe are compatible with JSON Data. Hence, JSON data format is an open standard file and allows easier usage compared to other languages in the same category. 

Another thing to understand about JSON is the fact that it’s used in computer applications, programs, mobile apps, and a lot more than just web apps. These factors allow it to be used universally, to a point where almost every app uses it. 

5 Best Tools For Converting XML Files To JSON

The best tools are those that make the task easy and don’t cost you money. While it might sound like a difficult deal to find, it’s not impossible. In fact, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best tools you can use today to convert your XML files into JSON.

Each of these tools is vetted by experts and offers something unique. So, starting with the best one, let’s dive right into it: 

1.    XML To JSON Converter By Utilities-online

Utilities-online.info offers an outstanding XML to JSON Converter. One of the easiest and perhaps the best tool you can use today since it allows you to thoroughly convert  XML to JSON without any delays or hassle. 

The tool is exceedingly easy to use as well because all you need to do is head into the tool and:

• Write the code into the XML section;
• Or paste the code into the XML section;
• Upload the XML file;
• Paste the URL to the XML file;
• Allow the tool to detect and convert your code.

Besides that, it can also reverse-convert your JSON code into XML. So, this tool isn’t only versatile, it’s ideal for usage on all fronts. Hence, you need to use this one as your primary converter for a few simple reasons:

• It’s the quickest;
• It’s easy to use;
• It’s simple;
• Uses an attractive UI;
• It’s free. 

Therefore, this tool by Utilities-online.com should be your priority when using an XML to JSON converter to thoroughly convert your XML code. 

2.    XML TO JSON By JSONFormatter

It is yet another great website you can use to convert your XML files into JSON. This quick and easy-to-use formatter allows you to conveniently and easily convert your XML files. Besides that, it’s also free to use. 

Using this tool is plain and simple, as all you need to do is click on load data to upload the code or its file. Once done, you can convert it into JSON or Plain JSON, then download the file. 

3.    XML to JSON Converter by CodeShack

CodeShack.io’s XML to JSON convert is yet another detailed and stellar tool for converting XML into JSON. This easy and convenient tool allows you to upload the file or generate an example XML to test its abilities. 

Once done, you can simply copy the JSON code or download it to use it wherever you like.

4.    ToolSlick.com’s XML to JSON Converter

ToolSlick.com’s XML to JSON conversion is a great tool for any XML coder today. It’s easy to use, convenient, and free as well. The tool also allows you to flatten arrays, which is a handy little feature. 

Besides that, there’s not much else as you get the same options of uploading the code or XML file and then converting it into JSON. 

5.    XML to JSON by GoOnlineTools

GoOnlineTools.com also offers a great XML to JSON converter. Moreover, this tool comes preloaded with an XML code so you can check its abilities when you convert to JSON.

However, its lack of offering a downloadable JSON file puts it on the last number on our list. Besides that, it’s a highly capable converter and easy to use. 

Conclusion

These are the key aspects you need to know about XML and JSON. We didn’t only cover the necessary aspects of both these languages but also their role in modern applications. Then, we explored a few tools that you can use to convert your XML files into JSON. So, pick the first one to ensure you make the most out of your XML code.