JSONP Feeds

JSONP is a very useful tool for JavaScript and Ajax developers in terms of controlling data in their application. Through this small variation of JSON, developers would be able to extend the functionality of JSONP.

Aside from the robust version of JSON, developers would be able to add streaming data from other websites. This behavior could be likened to RSS and ATOM feeds wherein the information from a separate website could be feed in real time to the JavaScript or Ajax based website. Since this small data format is fitted for JavaScript, it is expected that the application would be able to handle JSONP with little to no problem.

But JSONP is not all good news for developers. JSONP have to be carefully monitored in terms of compatibility with websites. Generally, JSONP do not have any problem with browsers since it is lightweight enough to be read by major browsers.

However, any small changes in the data or the source would greatly affect the performance of JSONP to the point that it will halt. The adaptability feature of JSONP is clearly small. Although the application will end up being lightweight, it can take a lot of time and resources especially in maintaining the online application.

Advantage of JSONP Feeds

Even with adaptability issues in JSONP, developers would find the feed format useful. Unlike XML, JSONP can be used by developers if they wanted to build an application could that go around the same origin policy on JavaScript. By effectively using feeds as the source of data, developers do not have to deal with the policy as the browser will identify it as the same protocol in extracting application.

But that does not mean JSONP increases the susceptibility of the application to various attacks. JSONP will only target a single source and since it only gathers data, additional code will not be entertained. As long as the targeted source is secured as well, no problems in the application is expected.

Dealing with Bad Code

Integrating JSONP to an application is relatively simple. Developers would just have to embed the code in the application with the source intact. If developers wanted the application to interact with the feed, developers could just point to the embedded code for further interaction.

This process might create some problems especially on maintaining the streaming of data. That is why it is important to remember that the data should pass through server side first to ensure stability. It could push back the application by a few milliseconds, but data stability could be attained.

Why not RSS, ATOM or XML?

RSS, ATOM and XML are good alternates to JSONP especially if you are not familiar with the said function.

But JSONP is a highly recommended data streaming format especially if you are looking to provide a remarkable client side application. Since it is fully compatible with JavaScript, you can expect that the Ajax based application will work seamlessly. It can also simplify the process of feeding data from outside sources since it does not have to deal with the same origin policy.