# JSON Object

Every standardized hand history *MUST* be in a self contained JSON [\<standardized\_hand\_history>](https://hh-specs.handhistory.org/json-object/untitled-1) object.

We chose JSON due to it meeting the following needs:

* It is plain text and accessible.
* It is understandable by any person without requiring third party software (other than a text editor).
* It is structured and the structure can be standardized and documented.
* It is an efficient structured format.
* JSON enjoys wide adoption and therefore development libraries across all programming languages.