How to Select Nested Information from a JSON File in Oracle 12.1.0.2

Discover the correct method to extract nested JSON data in Oracle 12.1.0.2, including syntax corrections and practical examples.
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Unlocking the Secrets of Nested JSON in Oracle 12.1.0.2

In today’s world of data management, working with JSON data structures has become increasingly prevalent, especially within database environments. However, sometimes we encounter challenges when these systems evolve, or our versions differ. One common question arises when attempting to select nested JSON information in an older version of Oracle, specifically 12.1.0.2.

The Problem: Selecting Nested Information from JSON

You might come across the following scenario:

You have a JSON structure and want to extract specific information from it. Perhaps you’ve seen a working example in a newer version of Oracle, but when you attempt to run the same SQL statement in 12.1.0.2, you hit a roadblock, receiving an error such as ORA-00936: missing expression.

Example JSON Structure

Here's the JSON we are working with:

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

The Original SQL Attempt

Your initial SQL query might look something like this:

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

When running this in Oracle 12.1.0.2, it generates an error related to the missing expression.

The Solution: Correcting Syntax for Compatibility

The solution to this issue lies in adjusting the syntax to suit the capabilities of Oracle 12.1.0.2. Specifically, the use of NESTED PATH tends to lead to expressions that are not recognized in this version.

Suggested Syntax Change

Instead of using "NESTED PATH", a recommended approach is simply removing the quotes around the column name. Here's the corrected version:

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

Important Notes

No Quotes: When defining the group column inside the nested JSON extraction, ensure that it is not enclosed in quotes. This is crucial for ensuring compatibility in Oracle 12.1.0.2.

Test Compatibility: Always verify your SQL code in the intended Oracle environment to avoid syntactical discrepancies.

Conclusion

Navigating older versions of Oracle while working with JSON can be challenging, but with the right adjustments, you can successfully extract nested information. By simply correcting the syntax and enhancing the clarity of your queries, you can streamline your data retrieval process in Oracle 12.1.0.2. Keep testing and adjusting, and you'll be able to handle JSON data effectively in your projects.

For more queries or examples related to using JSON in Oracle, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below!