JSON-RPC, or JavaScript Object Notation Remote Procedure Call, is a lightweight remote procedure call protocol built on JSON data format, allowing for the execution of functions on a remote server. It enables communication between a client and a server using structured data objects exchanged over the network. JSON-RPC provides a simple and language-independent way to make remote procedure calls, making it widely adopted in various web applications and APIs.
JSON-RPC falls under the category of Remote Procedure Call (RPC) technologies, which aim to facilitate inter-process communication by allowing a computer program to cause a subroutine or procedure to execute in another address space. In the case of JSON-RPC, the communication happens via HTTP or other transport protocols, providing a convenient method for invoking functions on a server remotely.
Founded in 2004 by Adam Trachtenberg, JSON-RPC was created as an alternative to XML-RPC with a focus on simplicity, ease of use, and compatibility with the JSON data format. The motivation behind JSON-RPC was to provide a more lightweight and user-friendly protocol for remote procedure calls in web-based systems. Over the years, JSON-RPC has gained popularity in the development community due to its simplicity and efficiency.
Currently, JSON-RPC holds a significant market share within the realm of remote procedure call technologies, particularly in web development and API integrations. With the rising trend of microservices architecture and the increasing demand for efficient communication between distributed systems, JSON-RPC is expected to continue growing in relevance and adoption. Its lightweight nature and compatibility with JSON make it a compelling choice for developers looking for a straightforward yet powerful method of remote procedure invocation.
