Lawrence Lockhart

Every JavaScript and Node.js developer on earth uses JSON daily. We treat it as the simple, ubiquitous format for transferring data. But what if that's like using a supercar just to drive to the grocery store? Most of us are only scratching the surface of what JSON is truly capable of. This talk goes beyond the basics of key-value pairs. We'll dive deep into the powerful, lesser-known patterns that transform JSON from a simple data format into a robust tool for building scalable, resilient applications. We will explore using JSON Schema for ironclad data validation and contract testing in your Node.js backend. We'll uncover how to leverage JSON as a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) to define complex configurations and even entire UI layouts, decoupling your logic from your presentation. To make these concepts tangible, we'll conclude with a real-world case study: a deep dive into how the visual content builder Beefree SDK uses a JSON-first architecture as its source of truth. We'll see how this enables powerful features like a server-side HTML Importer and dynamic Content Services APIs, all powered by the advanced JSON patterns we just learned. Leave this session with a new appreciation for the tool you use every day and a new set of superpowers to apply to your own projects.