JSON
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, text-based format for representing and exchanging structured data. It organises data as key–value pairs and ordered lists, is easy for both humans to read and machines to parse, and has become the dominant data format for modern web APIs.
In logistics integration, when a system calls a REST API — say to get a shipment's tracking events or a freight quote — the response is typically returned as JSON: a compact, structured object the receiving system can readily process. JSON largely replaced the older, more verbose XML for API data exchange because it is simpler, smaller and easier to work with in most programming environments (though XML remains common in some standards and legacy EDI contexts). Understanding JSON is practically essential to consuming and building the APIs that connect logistics, ERP and partner systems, since it is the format most shipment, tracking, rate and booking data now travels in. It is a foundational building block of modern system integration.
JSON is the format modern APIs speak — compact, readable and easy to process — so when a logistics system pulls tracking, rates or bookings from a REST API, the data arrives as JSON. It largely displaced XML for API exchange because it is simpler to work with. Understanding JSON is basic to building and consuming the interfaces that connect logistics and ERP systems.
Why did JSON largely replace XML for APIs?
It is simpler, smaller and easier to parse in most programming environments, making it lighter and faster for API data exchange.
Where is JSON used in logistics?
As the data format returned and sent by most modern REST APIs — tracking events, rates, bookings and shipment data.