title: Why need to use JSON in php and AJAX
body: <p>I just started doing jQuery last week, and so far I already made some basic systems with ajax, like basic jQuery CRUD and simple chat system without referencing on other's work for I decided to test myself on how far I can do systems alone in jQuery(without JSON and XML yet). </p>
  
  <p>But when I decided to look at other's work (hoping to get/learn good practices and codes out there) many or almost every program that deals with ajax have some JSON in it. So I decided to study and read JSON <a href="http://www.secretgeek.net/json_3mins.asp">specially this one</a>, but I guess because it's my first time dealing with it, I'm having a problem sinking it into my brain. Yeah I know it is a "lightweight way of describing hierarchical data", I also know how to make JSON like mixing a literal array and object in JS, and how to dsplay it in js.</p>
  
  <p>But my question is, what's the difference and what's the advantage than not using it?
  When I can still get and store data on the server using ajax and database without JSON.
  By the way I haven't focus on XML yet because based from my research it's better to use JSON in AJAX.</p>
  
  <p>Can you give me some actual scenario dealing with </p>
  
  <p>s1. ajax php mysql (<em>this with what disadvantages?</em>)    </p>
  
  <p>and </p>
  
  <p>s2. ajax php mysql json (<em>this with what advantages?</em>) </p>
  
  <p>I mean, my focus is to send and get data, and I already can do it with s1. </p>
  
  <p>Sorry if you find my question stupid. Tia. :)   </p>