What is the purpose of JSON files in SFCC?

JSON files in Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC) serve a critical purpose primarily in the realm of configuration settings, especially pertaining to the storefront and API integrations. These files provide a structured way to store data in a format that is easily readable and editable, facilitating the management of configuration parameters without the need for more complex coding solutions.

By using JSON files, developers can define various settings such as custom configurations for storefront features, API keys, third-party service configurations, and other essential parameters that need to be readily accessible and modifiable. This approach not only streamlines the management of configurations but also enhances the flexibility of the application, allowing changes to be made without the need for extensive code modifications.

Furthermore, JSON's lightweight format ensures efficient parsing and handling of data, making it ideal for web-based environments where quick data exchange is necessary. Thus, its role in SFCC primarily revolves around configuration rather than styling, scripting, or session management.