SQL Server 2016 adds JSON support. Here is a quick look at what JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is and how to create your first JSON document with a query.
JSON_OBJECT and JSON_ARRAY: Building JSON in SQL Server 2022
Build JSON_OBJECT and JSON_ARRAY values in SQL Server 2022, control null handling, nest arrays, and compare rowset and aggregate output.
Querying Nested JSON Arrays With OPENJSON
Query nested JSON arrays with OPENJSON, preserve element positions, pass inner arrays with AS JSON, and handle missing or strict paths.
Indexing JSON Properties With Computed Columns
Improve indexing JSON properties with typed computed columns, matching paths, required SET options, and plan checks on your workload.
The Native JSON Data Type in SQL Server 2025
Use the JSON data type in SQL Server 2025, reject invalid documents, read and change properties, and choose where relational columns fit.
Reading a JSON Lines File Into a Table With OPENROWSET
Load JSON Lines with OPENROWSET BULK, keep UTF-8 text intact, quarantine invalid objects, and insert validated typed rows.
Storing JSON in SQL Server
Storing JSON in SQL Server can use validated nvarchar or the native 2025 json type, with indexed paths and relational columns for stable facts.