> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://adidas.gitbook.io/api-guidelines/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://adidas.gitbook.io/api-guidelines/general-guidelines/json.md).

# JSON

Any JSON-based message **MUST** conform to the following rules:

1. All JSON field names **MUST** follow the [Naming Conventions ](/api-guidelines/rest-api-guidelines/evolution/naming-conventions.md)(`camelCase`, American English, etc.)
2. Field names **MUST** be ASCII alpha num characters, underscore (`_`) or dollar sign (`$`)
3. Boolean fields **MUST NOT** be of `null` value
4. Fields with `null` value **SHOULD** be omitted
5. Empty arrays and objects **SHOULD NOT**  be `null` (use `[]` or `{}` instead)
6. Array field names **SHOULD** be plural (e.g. `"orders": []`)

## Validation

All API designers **MUST** validate the definition of the payloads in requests/responses with the [JSON Schema](https://json-schema.org/) for the defined structure prior to the publication of the API Contract in SwaggerHub.

The publication of the JSON schema corresponding to the expected payloads in the bodies of requests and responses **SHOULD** be kept up to date according to the evolution of the API.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://adidas.gitbook.io/api-guidelines/general-guidelines/json.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.