JSON: why not a JSON data type (like XML has)?

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JSON: why not a JSON data type (like XML has)?

Maxer

SSCrazy Eights

Points: 8964
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October 4, 2017 at 8:29 am

#350203

I was just curious, is there a reason there is not a JSON data type?
XML has an XML data type... why not have that for JSON as well?
*I was hoping someone had read a blog or seen a talk about this, I tried to search but it was difficult to get the desired hits on Google.
Thanks!

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ChrisM@Work SSC Guru Points: 186127 More actions · Answer 1

Maxer - Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:29 AM
I was just curious, is there a reason there is not a JSON data type?
XML has an XML data type... why not have that for JSON as well?
*I was hoping someone had read a blog or seen a talk about this, I tried to search but it was difficult to get the desired hits on Google.
Thanks!

Because...

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/jocapc/2015/05/16/json-support-in-sql-server-2016/

^{“Write the query the simplest way. If through testing it becomes clear that the performance is inadequate, consider alternative query forms.” - Gail Shaw}

For fast, accurate and documented assistance in answering your questions, please read this article.
Understanding and using APPLY, (I) and (II) Paul White
Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop Jeff Moden

Thom A SSC Guru Points: 99130 More actions · Answer 2

Although I'll admit, maybe it is a bit odd, but it is easy to add a constraint on a JSON column:
--Create sample table CREATE TABLE SampleJson (JsonString varchar(max)); GO --Add Constraint ALTER TABLE SampleJson ADD CONSTRAINT ValidJson CHECK (ISJSON(JsonString) > 0); GO --This will fail INSERT INTO SampleJson VALUES ('test'); GO --This will work INSERT INTO SampleJson VALUES ( '{ "a":"[1,2]", "b":"[3,4]", "c":"[5,6]" }'); GO --Clean up DROP TABLE SampleJson; GO

I can't say I've seen much (any) discussion on the subject though. I have no use for JSON in the "real world" so I've not really kept an eye on discussions on it.

Thom~

Excuse my typos and sometimes awful grammar. My fingers work faster than my brain does.
Larnu.uk

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736188 More actions · Answer 3

I think the adoption of the XML type was really low. For the reasons in the blog, lots of people kept XML in nvarchar/varchar columns, and just used some of the functions to query them. I think this is better, rather than investing in a native type, see what the uptake is. They can always add it later.

Maxer SSCrazy Eights Points: 8964 More actions · Answer 4

Ah ok that all makes a lot of sense (all the replies) thanks!!