What file format is commonly used for configuration in SFCC?

In Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC), the commonly used file format for configuration is JSON. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is particularly favored due to its lightweight nature and ease of use in web applications. It allows developers to structure data in a clear and understandable format, which is essential for managing configuration settings efficiently.

JSON's ability to be easily parsed and generated by various programming languages makes it a versatile choice for configuration files. Additionally, SFCC utilizes JSON for its various APIs and data interchange processes, making it align perfectly with the overall architecture and workflows within the platform. This ensures seamless integration and facilitates configuration management, as JSON's syntax is both human-readable and machine-friendly.

While XML, CSV, and YAML are also used in various contexts for configuration in different technologies, they do not match the prevalent use of JSON in the SFCC ecosystem for configuration purposes. XML, for instance, is more verbose and can be more challenging to implement in certain scenarios, while CSV is primarily used for tabular data and lacks the hierarchical structure that JSON offers. YAML, although human-readable and favored in many configurations, is not as widely adopted in SFCC specifically as JSON is.