JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. It is language-independent but uses conventions that are familiar to programmers of the C family of languages, including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Perl, Python, and many others. JSON is widely adopted due to its simplicity and flexibility in representing data structures, making it a staple in web development and various APIs.
In the context of languages and frameworks, JSON serves as a universal medium for data interchange between systems, providing a straightforward way to serialize and deserialize data. Its adoption is crucial for developing modern web applications, enabling seamless communication between client-side and server-side components. JSON's relevance in this quadrant and its placement in the "adopt" ring highlight its established role as a foundational technology that continues to be integral in software architecture and development practices.