Microservices
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 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.
The Complete Guide to API Communication Patterns: REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, gRPC, and More
reading time: 24 minutes
Master API communication patterns: REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, gRPC, webhooks, message queues, and more. Complete guide with diagrams, code examples, and decision frameworks for choosing the right pattern.
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.