Data-Formats
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 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.
Serialization and Deserialization: The Bridge Between Runtime Objects and Bytes
reading time: 11 minutes
Understanding how programs convert runtime objects to bytes and back, enabling persistent storage, network communication, and cross-language data exchange.
Understanding Protocol Buffers: Part 1 - Introduction and Core Concepts
reading time: 12 minutes
Protocol Buffers (protobuf) is Google’s binary serialization format - smaller, faster, and type-safe compared to JSON. Learn what protobuf is, how it works, and when to use it for APIs and microservices.