JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

JSON is a lightweight, text-based data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate.

What to Know

JSON has become the de facto standard for modern API communication, replacing older formats like XML in many contexts. Its human-readable structure makes debugging and troubleshooting easier, while its lightweight nature reduces bandwidth and processing overhead compared to more verbose formats. For MDM systems, JSON enables flexible, extensible API designs that can evolve over time without breaking existing integrations. Every modern MDM API, webhook integration, and automation script relies on JSON for data exchange.

Understanding JSON structure is essential for admins building custom integrations, parsing webhook notifications, or troubleshooting API calls. JSON’s hierarchical structure allows complex, nested data like device inventory details, user assignments, and policy configurations to be represented clearly. JSON validation and schema enforcement help catch integration errors before they reach production, improving reliability of automated workflows.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: IT teams use JSON when building custom scripts that interact with MDM APIs to automate device provisioning, generate compliance reports, or synchronize user assignments from HR systems. Webhook notifications arrive as JSON payloads that IT parses to trigger automated responses like ticket creation or alerts. JSON configuration files define automation workflows, integration settings, and custom reporting queries that extend MDM platform capabilities.

MSP: MSPs leverage JSON APIs to build multi-tenant management tools that aggregate device data across client accounts, automate client onboarding workflows, and generate standardized compliance reports. JSON webhooks enable MSPs to integrate MDM events with PSA tools, alerting systems, and billing platforms. MSPs should maintain JSON parsing libraries and validation tools to ensure reliable integration development and troubleshooting across client deployments.

Education: School IT departments use JSON APIs to synchronize student rosters from SIS systems to MDM, automate device assignments based on grade levels or classrooms, and generate inventory reports for asset management. JSON-formatted webhook notifications can trigger automated device re-assignment workflows during student transfers or graduations. Education-focused integrations often involve parsing JSON responses from multiple systems (SIS, MDM, identity providers) to maintain consistent device-to-user mappings.

In Addigy

Addigy’s API exclusively uses JSON for all request and response payloads, providing comprehensive documentation with JSON schema examples and sample code. Addigy’s webhook system delivers event notifications as JSON payloads, enabling real-time integration with external systems. Administrators can use JSON-formatted API calls to automate device management tasks, retrieve inventory data, and configure policies programmatically.

Addigy’s developer documentation includes JSON payload examples for every API endpoint, complete with field descriptions and data types. Addigy’s custom facts and device facts collections are stored and retrieved as JSON objects, allowing flexible custom data storage. Integration builders can leverage Addigy’s JSON APIs to create custom dashboards, automated workflows, and advanced reporting solutions that extend platform capabilities.