JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easily readable by both humans and machines. It's text-based and used to represent structured data in the form of objects (similar to dictionaries in Python). JSON is language-independent and supported by many programming languages, including Python.

JSON can be used in various contexts, especially in web development for data exchange between client and server.

{
    "name": "John Doe",
    "age": 30,
    "isMarried": false,
    "children": [
        "Alice",
        "Bob"
    ]
}

As you can see JSON syntax is very similar to dictionaries in python.

The Role of JSON in Django REST Framework

• Data Exchange Format: In the context of web APIs, JSON serves as the standard format for sending and receiving data. DRF uses JSON for serialization and deserialization of data, meaning converting data from Django models to JSON format and vice versa;

• Client Compatibility: Since JSON integrates seamlessly with JavaScript, it is an excellent choice for transferring data between web applications (clients) and servers using DRF;

• Flexibility: JSON allows for easy representation of complex data structures, which is important for APIs that may include nested objects, lists, and other complex data types.

The use of JSON in Django REST Framework is crucial for creating efficient and easily integrated web APIs. JSON not only simplifies data exchange between server and client but also provides flexibility and broad compatibility, essential in modern web development.