Fundamentals
The ? Operator in Rust: Error Propagation Demystified
reading time: 12 minutes
The ? operator looks like magic. One character that handles errors, converts types, and returns early. Understand how it actually works under the hood and when to use it.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 8 - Lessons from the JSON Revolution
reading time: 15 minutes
JSON recreated XML’s entire ecosystem modularly. JSX brought back XML’s syntax. What does this teach us about technology evolution? Explore the architectural zeitgeist, pattern survival, and the modularity paradox: choice vs. discoverability.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 1 - Origins, Evolution, and the Cracks in the Foundation
reading time: 18 minutes
Everyone thinks they know JSON. But do you know why it was created, what problems it solved, and more importantly - what problems it created? Part 1 explores JSON’s origins, its triumph over XML, and the fundamental weaknesses that spawned an entire ecosystem of extensions.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 2 - JSON Schema and the Art of Validation
reading time: 21 minutes
JSON lacks types and validation - any structure parses successfully. JSON Schema solves this by adding a validation layer without changing JSON itself. Learn how to define schemas, validate at runtime, generate code, and build type-safe APIs.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 3 - Binary JSON in Databases
reading time: 15 minutes
Database-managed binary JSON formats solve storage and query performance problems. JSONB enables fast PostgreSQL queries with indexing, while BSON adds extended types for MongoDB. Learn when databases beat text JSON.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 4 - Binary JSON for APIs and Data Transfer
reading time: 23 minutes
Beyond database storage, binary JSON formats optimize API data transfer. MessagePack provides universal serialization with 30-40% size reduction. CBOR adds IETF standardization for IoT and security. Learn when binary beats JSON for network efficiency.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 5 - JSON-RPC: When REST Isn't Enough
reading time: 35 minutes
REST is great for resources, but what about actions? JSON-RPC provides a simple, transport-agnostic protocol for calling remote functions. Learn the spec, implementation patterns, and why major projects like Ethereum and VS Code chose JSON-RPC over REST.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 6 - JSON Lines: Processing Gigabytes Without Running Out of Memory
reading time: 30 minutes
Standard JSON can’t stream - you must parse the entire document. JSON Lines solves this with one JSON object per line, enabling streaming processing, log aggregation, Unix pipelines, and handling gigabyte-scale datasets with constant memory usage.
You Don't Know JSON: Part 7 - Security: Authentication, Signatures, and Attacks
reading time: 27 minutes
JSON has no built-in security. The ecosystem response: JWT for authentication, JWS for signing, JWE for encryption. Learn how these work, common attacks (algorithm confusion, injection, timing), and how to secure JSON-based systems.