Data Formats
Data formats are standardized structures and syntaxes for organizing, storing, and transmitting data, enabling interoperability between systems and applications. They define how data is encoded, such as in text-based formats like JSON or binary formats like Protocol Buffers, and are essential for data exchange, persistence, and processing in software development.
Developers should learn data formats to effectively handle data serialization, API communication, configuration management, and database interactions, as they are foundational for building interoperable systems. Specific use cases include designing REST APIs with JSON, optimizing performance with binary formats in microservices, and managing structured data in applications like logging or configuration files.