JSON vs JavaScript Object

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and JavaScript Objects are important for handling data in JavaScript, but they serve different purposes. JSON is a lightweight data format for transferring data, while JavaScript Objects are in-program data structures used for manipulation and logic.

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a text-based data format designed for data exchange. It is language-independent and follows a strict syntax for storing and transmitting data.

JavaScript

{
    "name": "Amit",
    "age": 25,
    "city": "Mumbai"
}

JSON keys and string values must be enclosed in double quotes.
It supports only limited data types such as strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, objects, and null.
Used for transferring data between servers and applications.

What is a JavaScript Object?

A JavaScript Object is a data structure within JavaScript, used to store key-value pairs. It supports a wider range of data types and operations compared to JSON.

JavaScript

const user = {
    name: "Amit",
    age: 25,
    city: "Mumbai",
    greet: function () {
        console.log(`Hello, ${this.name}!`);
    },
};

Keys are unquoted (but quotes can be used if needed), and strings can use single or double quotes.
JavaScript Objects can include methods (functions as values).
These are manipulated directly in JavaScript programs.

Difference Between JSON and JavaScript Object

Aspect	JSON	JavaScript Object
Definition	Text-based format for data exchange.	In-memory data structure in JavaScript.
Syntax	Strict syntax: keys and strings must use double quotes.	Flexible syntax: keys can be unquoted; methods allowed.
Data Types	Supports limited types: string, number, boolean, null, array, object.	Supports all JavaScript data types, including undefined.
Functionality	No methods or executable code.	Can include methods and execute logic.
Purpose	Used for transferring data between systems.	Used for in-program data manipulation.
Conversion	Requires parsing to convert to JavaScript Object.	Can be directly used in JavaScript programs.

Other Important Comparisons

1. Conversion Between JSON and JavaScript Object

JSON to JavaScript Object

Use JSON.parse() to convert JSON strings into JavaScript Objects.

JavaScript

const jsonS = '{"name": "Neha", "age": 30}';
const obj = JSON.parse(jsonS);
console.log(obj.name);

Output

Neha

JavaScript Object to JSON

Use JSON.stringify() to convert JavaScript Objects into JSON strings.

JavaScript

const user = { name: "Rahul", age: 28 };
const jsonS = JSON.stringify(user);
console.log(jsonS);

Output

{"name":"Rahul","age":28}

2. Usage in APIs

JSON

JSON is used for transferring data in APIs.

JavaScript

fetch("https://api.example.com/data")
    .then((response) => response.json())
    .then((data) => console.log(data));

JavaScript Object

JavaScript Objects are used for manipulating and processing data in memory.

JavaScript

const data = { name: "Ravi", age: 40 };
data.city = "Delhi";
console.log(data);

Output

{ name: 'Ravi', age: 40, city: 'Delhi' }

Conclusion

While JSON is ideal for transferring data due to its lightweight format and universal compatibility, JavaScript Objects excel in manipulation and logic within JavaScript applications. They complement each other by enabling seamless data exchange and processing in modern web applications.

Object.create vs. New in JavaScript

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Article Tags :

JSON vs JavaScript Object

What is JSON?

What is a JavaScript Object?

Difference Between JSON and JavaScript Object

Other Important Comparisons

1. Conversion Between JSON and JavaScript Object

2. Usage in APIs

Conclusion

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