JSON is a lightweight, easy-to-read data interchange format commonly used to communicate information between servers and web applications. Its structure based on key-value pairs facilitates the efficient organization and transmission of data. JSON is very popular in API development, as it allows developers to send and receive data easily. Its compatibility with almost all programming languages makes it ideal for software integrations and configurations. Additionally, its simplicity helps keep code clean and understandable, which favors collaborative work in development projects.