All 7 JSON Support in SQL Server questions
More in JSON Support in SQL Server
What is the difference between the JSON_VALUE and JSON_QUERY functions? How do you convert a JSON array stored in a column into a relational table format that can be queried like normal rows? How do you generate JSON formatted output directly from a SQL query's result set? How do you update a specific value within a JSON document stored in a column without replacing the entire JSON text? How would you validate that a value stored in a column actually contains well formed JSON before allowing it to be inserted or updated? What are the performance considerations and limitations of querying JSON data stored as text compared to using normalized relational columns?
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SQL Server › JSON Support in SQL Server

How do you store and query JSON formatted text in SQL Server?

Beginner

Answer

SQL Server stores JSON as regular text in an NVARCHAR column, but provides special built-in functions that let you parse and query values from within that JSON text directly in your SQL statements, without needing a separate dedicated JSON data type or an external application to process it.
SELECT JSON_VALUE(ProfileData, '$.email') AS Email
FROM Users;
Real-world example A user profile system stores flexible profile information as JSON text in a single column, using JSON_VALUE to easily extract a user's email address directly within a regular SQL query whenever needed.

Common follow-ups: Why does SQL Server not have a dedicated JSON data type like some other databases?;What happens if the JSON text stored in a column is malformed?

Data Types & Schema Design;XML Data Type & Querying
All 7 JSON Support in SQL Server questions