JSON-Enable NonStop COBOL and C programs with JSON Thunder

Quite often, Nonstop applications need to exchange data with other platforms internally in the enterprise, or with external applications in the cloud. The data format of choice for data exchange today is JSON.

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format that has become an essential tool for interoperability between different applications and platforms. In today's digital landscape, where data is constantly flowing between various systems and devices, the ability to easily exchange and understand data is vital to the success of any application. JSON provides a simple and consistent way to do just that.

Advantages of JSON

One of the main advantages of JSON is that it is language-independent, meaning it can be used with any programming language that supports it. This makes it a versatile choice for building cross-platform applications, as developers can easily share data between different systems and platforms. While XML continues to be in use by some applications, almost all new modern applications adopt JSON as the data format of choice.

Another advantage of JSON is its human-readable format, making it easy for developers to work with and understand the data. This is particularly useful in cases where different systems need to communicate with each other and the data needs to be parsed and interpreted.

JSON is also widely used in modern web service development, including RESTful API services. Developers can easily access and use data from these services by simply serializing and deserializing the JSON data using built-in feature in their IDE such as Visual Studio. This enables developers to quickly and easily build new applications and services that integrate with these existing platforms.

JSON Thunder for NonStop

If you want to incorporate JSON support in your COBOL or C programs, JSON Thunder can make the job really easy. Thunder generates all of the source code required for COBOL programs to interface with JSON. Using the toolset’s Visual Designer, develop JSON Handlers to convert (i.e. parse) JSON messages to program fields or create JSON messages from program fields. These JSON Handlers – called Readers and Writers – are created in just three easy steps.

In conclusion, JSON is an essential tool for interoperability between different applications and platforms. JSON Thunder enables seamless data exchange and easy integration between NonStop applications and other different systems and platforms.

For more information on JSON Thunder, visit our TIC website or contact us via sales-support@ticsoftware.com

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Phil Ly is the president of TIC Software, a leading provider of software and services for the NonStop community focused on NonStop application modernization. Under Phil's guidance, TIC Software has a proven track record of helping clients seamlessly integrate NonStop with next-generation technologies. A recognized technical leader, Phil is passionate about empowering organizations to unlock the full potential and longevity of their NonStop platform through innovative solutions.