Which JSON content type do I use?

 

The choice of JSON content type to use depends on the context and your specific requirements. JSON can be used in different scenarios, and the content type you use in HTTP headers or other contexts should reflect your intention. Here are some common JSON content types and when to use them, along with examples:

1. application/json:

   • This is the most common and generic JSON content type used for general JSON data.
   • Use it when you're sending or receiving JSON data in most web APIs and HTTP requests/responses.

   Example:

   css

Content-Type: application/json

{
  "name": "John Doe",
  "age": 30,
  "email": "johndoe@example.com"
}

application/vnd.api+json:

• This content type is often used when working with JSON API standards, such as the JSON API specification.
• It's used to indicate that the JSON content follows a specific API schema.

Example:

css

Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json

{
  "data": {
    "type": "users",
    "id": "123",
    "attributes": {
      "name": "Jane Smith",
      "email": "janesmith@example.com"
    }
  }
}

application/hal+json (Hypertext Application Language):

• Used in scenarios where JSON represents resources and their relationships in a hypermedia-driven RESTful API using HAL.

Example:

css

Content-Type: application/hal+json

{
  "_links": {
    "self": { "href": "/users/123" },
    "profile": { "href": "/profiles/user" }
  },
  "name": "Alice Johnson",
  "email": "alice@example.com"
}

application/problem+json:

• Used to convey error or problem details in a standardized format following the Problem Details for HTTP APIs RFC.

Example:

css

Content-Type: application/problem+json

{
  "type": "https://example.com/problems/resource-not-found",
  "title": "Resource Not Found",
  "detail": "The requested resource could not be found."
}

application/json-patch+json:

• Used when applying JSON Patch operations to a JSON document.

Example:

css

Content-Type: application/json-patch+json

[
  { "op": "add", "path": "/address/city", "value": "New York" }
]

application/ld+json (JSON-LD):

• Used for representing linked data, especially in semantic web applications.

Example:

scss

6. Content-Type: application/ld+json
   
   {
     "@context": "https://schema.org/",
     "@type": "Person",
     "name": "Bob Smith",
     "jobTitle": "Software Engineer"
   }
   

The choice of content type should align with the purpose and standards of your application or API. Always refer to the documentation and specifications of the API or service you are working with to determine the appropriate JSON content type to use.