In the world of data processing and serialization, JSON and JSONL formats serve similar yet distinct purposes. JSON files, known for their structured and nested format, are widely used for storing data in a readable format. Meanwhile, JSONL files are optimized for data streaming and storage of large datasets in a line-delimited format. Understanding these differences is crucial when handling large volumes of data in Java applications. This article provides an in-depth look at JSON and JSONL files, the differences between them, and the best practices for comparing these file types in Java. We’ll dive into example code and explain it thoroughly to give you a solid foundation in handling these formats effectively.