A JSON file is a text-based format used for storing and exchanging data. It stands for JavaScript Object Notation and is easy for both humans and machines to read and write. JSON files use a simple structure of key-value pairs, making it a popular choice for web applications and APIs. In a JSON file, data is organized in a hierarchical manner, allowing for complex data structures. It can represent various data types, including strings, numbers, arrays, and objects. This versatility makes JSON a widely used format for data interchange across different programming languages and platforms.