The action of retrieving data structured in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format from a remote server or storage location is a common task in software development. This process involves requesting the file containing the JSON data via protocols such as HTTP(S) and saving it to a local system. For example, a program might request a file that contains configuration settings for an application, structured as a JSON object, and then store this data on the user’s device.
The ability to obtain this structured data format is pivotal for various applications. It enables dynamic updates of applications without requiring complete reinstallation, facilitates data exchange between different systems and platforms due to its platform-independent nature, and allows for efficient storage and retrieval of complex data structures. Historically, the prevalence of this data format has increased alongside the rise of web APIs and the need for lightweight data interchange formats.