A web developer needs to exchange data using standard HTTP methods. Which should they use for data formats like JSON or XML?

Using REST (Representational State Transfer) is the appropriate choice for a web developer aiming to exchange data in standard formats such as JSON or XML. RESTful services provide a lightweight mechanism for communication between clients and servers over HTTP. This architectural style allows developers to utilize standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations on resources, making it straightforward to transfer data in various formats.

In the context of JSON and XML, REST is particularly advantageous because these data formats are often used to represent structured information. JSON, for example, is highly popular due to its simplicity and ease of use in web applications. REST APIs typically leverage these formats for their payloads, facilitating seamless interaction between different systems, regardless of the technology stack.

Other options do not align as well with the requirements for standard HTTP methods and data exchange. Mongo, while being a NoSQL database, does not provide an architectural framework for HTTP communication. A browser extension serves a different purpose, typically enhancing user interaction within a web browser rather than facilitating data exchange. HTML5, on the other hand, is a markup language primarily used for structuring web content and does not inherently provide a mechanism for data transfer. Thus, REST stands out as the most suitable choice for the scenario