Which data format is widely used for data interchange between systems?

The selection of JSON as the widely used data format for data interchange between systems reflects its advantages in both structure and ease of use. JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is lightweight and human-readable, which makes it ideal for sharing data between web APIs and different programming environments. Its syntax is easy to understand and parse, facilitating quick integration and data handling in various programming languages.

One of the key aspects that contributes to JSON's popularity is its compatibility with JavaScript, which enables seamless data exchange with web applications. Furthermore, JSON's ability to efficiently represent complex data structures, such as nested objects and arrays, allows for the transmission of rich data sets without excessive overhead.

Other formats, while also applicable for data interchange, do not match JSON's balance of readability and flexibility. For example, XML is more verbose and requires stricter parsing mechanisms, which can lead to increased complexity in handling data. CSV, while effective for tabular data, lacks the ability to represent hierarchical data structures effectively. YAML offers readability and simplicity but is less commonly adopted than JSON, particularly in web contexts.

In summary, JSON's efficiency, ease of use, and widespread adoption across web technologies make it the preferred choice for data interchange between systems.