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JavaScript AJAX Basics (retiring) jQuery and AJAX The jQuery AJAX Method

Aaron Smith
Aaron Smith
19,091 Points
Posted by Aaron Smith
Aaron Smith
19,091 Points

How do I know when to use $.get() and when to use $.getJSON()?

How do I know when to use $.get() and when to use $.getJSON()? Do I need to know in advance how the data from the server will be formatted? What happens if I use the wrong function?

1 Answer

Alexander Acker
Alexander Acker
18,123 Points
Alexander Acker
Alexander Acker
18,123 Points

To utilize the .getJSON() method you will certainly know that you'll need to be utilizing a JSON file as a data type otherwise the method will fail if you're trying to work with say XML for example. From what I've seen a lot of API documentation will explain what kind of data will be returned during a GET request thus if JSON is what's returned it's up to you utilize either options, as well as the .ajax shorthand if you'd like, in your code.

If you're worried about the wrong function you can always setup a chained .fail() method which you can configure to console out and error or alert you if something went wrong. Highly recommend going through the API documentation on both of these methods for specific examples and clarity.

http://api.jquery.com/jQuery.getJSON/ http://api.jquery.com/jQuery.get/