JSON Formatter vs XML Formatter
If you wrangle APIs daily, you’ve probably bounced between a JSON formatter and an XML formatter more than once. My rule of thumb: use the JSON formatter for modern REST payloads and configs, and reach for the XML formatter when you’re dealing with SOAP, sitemap feeds, or anything with namespaces. Below is how they compare in practice.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | JSON Formatter | XML Formatter |
|---|---|---|
| Syntax Highlighting | ✅ Full support | ✅ Full support |
| Validation | ✅ JSON Schema | ✅ XSD/DTD |
| File Size | ✅ Smaller | ⚠️ Larger |
| Parsing Speed | ✅ Faster | ⚠️ Slower |
| Human Readable | ✅ Simple | ✅ Descriptive |
| Attributes Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
When to Use Each Formatter
Use JSON Formatter For:
- ✅ REST API responses and requests
- ✅ Configuration files (package.json, tsconfig.json)
- ✅ Modern web applications and SPAs
- ✅ NoSQL database documents
- ✅ JavaScript applications (native support)
Use XML Formatter For:
- ✅ SOAP web services and enterprise APIs
- ✅ Document markup and content management
- ✅ Legacy system integration
- ✅ Configuration with attributes and namespaces
- ✅ Complex data with metadata requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use JSON formatter vs XML formatter?
Use JSON formatter for APIs, configuration files, and modern web applications. Use XML formatter for legacy systems, SOAP services, and document markup. JSON is simpler and more lightweight, while XML offers more features like attributes and namespaces.
Which is better for web APIs - JSON or XML?
JSON is generally better for web APIs due to smaller payload size, faster parsing, and native JavaScript support. Most modern REST APIs use JSON. XML is still used in enterprise SOAP services and when you need advanced features like schema validation.
Are JSON and XML formatters free to use?
Yes, both JSON and XML formatters on FreeFormatHub are completely free with no registration required. All processing happens locally in your browser for maximum privacy and security.
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