? MySQL JSON Data Type

? Quick Overview

The JSON data type in MySQL is used to store structured data in JavaScript Object Notation format. It allows you to store arrays, objects, and nested values efficiently inside a table column.

? Key Concepts

JSON stores data in key-value pairs
Supports arrays, objects, strings, numbers, booleans
Validated automatically by MySQL
Can be queried using JSON functions

? Syntax / Theory

The JSON data type is defined at table creation time. MySQL internally stores JSON in a binary format for faster access.

? View Code Example

-- Creating a table with a JSON column
CREATE TABLE users (
id INT PRIMARY KEY AUTO_INCREMENT,
profile JSON
);

? Code Examples

? View Code Example

-- Inserting JSON data into the table
INSERT INTO users (profile)
VALUES ('{"name":"Raj","age":25,"skills":["SQL","Python"]}');

? View Code Example

-- Selecting full JSON data
SELECT profile FROM users;

? Interactive Simulator: JSON Extractor

Test how MySQL extracts data. Edit the JSON below and write a path (like $.name) to see the result.

1. Column Data (JSON Format):

2. SQL Path (e.g., $.name or $.skills[0]):

Result:

// Output will appear here...

? Live Output / Explanation

Output Explanation

The JSON value is stored as a single column but internally parsed by MySQL. You can retrieve the full JSON or extract specific values using JSON functions.

? Tips & Best Practices

Use JSON when structure may change frequently
Prefer normal columns for fixed schema data
Validate JSON before inserting large payloads
Index JSON paths if querying frequently

? Try It Yourself

Create a table with a JSON column
Insert nested JSON objects
Store arrays inside JSON
Experiment with different JSON structures