How to Parse JSON List without Keys in PL/SQL

Discover effective methods to parse JSON lists without keys in Oracle PL/SQL using APEX_JSON and XMLTABLE.
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Understanding JSON Parsing in PL/SQL

Working with JSON data can often present challenges, especially in PL/SQL environments where certain functions and features may not be available. For instance, if you're using Oracle 11g, you might find that traditional methods to parse JSON, such as JSON_TABLE, are not accessible. This can be particularly frustrating if you’ve received a JSON file formatted without explicit keys, making it difficult to extract the data you need.

In this post, we will address a common problem faced by developers: how to effectively parse a JSON list without keys in PL/SQL. We will explore a practical solution using APEX_JSON along with XMLTABLE to extract data seamlessly from JSON.

Problem Statement: JSON Format Issue

Consider the following JSON structure:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In this example, you need to fill a table with this JSON data. However, since you cannot modify its format and are stuck with an Oracle 11g database lacking JSON_TABLE, you may be at a loss as to what to do next.

Solution: Using APEX_JSON and XMLTABLE

Fortunately, there's a way around this challenge that can efficiently extract the necessary data. This solution will utilize XMLTABLE in conjunction with APEX_JSON.TO_XMLTYPE().

Step-by-Step Guide

Define the JSON Structure:

We will simulate a JSON input using a Common Table Expression (CTE) that selects the JSON data from dual.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Parse the JSON Data:

Use the XMLTABLE function to parse the JSON data and output the desired columns, name and age.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Output the Result:

After executing the above SQL command, you will receive the following result set:

NAMEAGEVictor20Ana23Conclusion

By combining APEX_JSON and XMLTABLE, we can navigate around the limitations posed by the Oracle 11g environment when dealing with JSON data formatted without keys. This method allows you to successfully extract necessary information and work with it as needed in your application.

If you encounter similar challenges in the future or have questions about working with JSON in PL/SQL, feel free to refer back to this guide.