What does the format `application/json` specify?

The format application/json specifies the media type for representing JSON data. In the context of internet standards and protocols, media types (also known as MIME types) serve as a way to identify the nature and type of content being transmitted. For example, when a client sends a request or a server responds with data, the media type indicates how the recipient should interpret the data.

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. The application/json media type is specifically used to denote that the data being transmitted is in JSON format. This allows applications to handle the data appropriately, using the correct parsers and serializers to work with JSON structures effectively.

Understanding this media type is crucial when working with APIs, as it defines how data should be formatted during exchanges between clients and servers in a RESTful service, ensuring that both sides understand the data being communicated.