Understanding JSON Arrays in PostgreSQL

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 127 views

Introduction

When working with JSON data in PostgreSQL, it's common to encounter arrays with varying lengths and containing null values. In this article, we'll explore how to use the json_array_elements function to expand these arrays, while handling null values effectively.

Understanding JSON Arrays in PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL 9.4 introduced native support for JSON data, including arrays. A JSON array is a collection of values enclosed in square brackets []. For example:

[1, 2, 3, null, 5]

In this example, the array contains five elements, including a null value.

Using `json_array_elements` to Expand Arrays

The json_array_elements function is used to expand a JSON array into a set of individual elements. This function is particularly useful when working with arrays of varying lengths. Here's an example of how to use json_array_elements to expand an array:

SELECT * FROM json_array_elements('[1, 2, 3, null, 5]');

This query will return a set of individual elements from the array:

       value
-------------------
 1
 2
 3
 null
 5
(5 rows)

Handling Null Values with `json_array_elements`

When expanding an array with null values using json_array_elements, the null values are treated as individual elements in the resulting set. This means that the null values are not filtered out, but rather included in the output.

To demonstrate this, let's consider an example array with null values:

[1, 2, null, 4, 5]

Using json_array_elements to expand this array will result in the following output:

       value
-------------------
 1
 2
 null
 4
 5
(5 rows)

As you can see, the null value is included in the output as a separate element.

Using `json_array_elements` with Irregular Sized Arrays

In addition to handling null values, json_array_elements is also useful when working with arrays of varying lengths. To demonstrate this, let's consider an example where we have two arrays with different lengths:

[1, 2, 3]
[1, 2, null, 4, 5]

Using json_array_elements to expand these arrays will result in the following output:

       value
-------------------
 1
 2
 3
 1
 2
 null
 4
 5
(7 rows)

As you can see, the arrays are expanded into individual elements, regardless of their original length.

Example Use Case: Expanding Arrays with Null Values

Let's consider a real-world example where we have a table with a JSON column containing arrays with null values:

CREATE TABLE data (
  id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
  json_data JSON
);
INSERT INTO data (json_data)
VALUES
('[1, 2, 3]'),
('[1, 2, null, 4, 5]');

To expand the arrays in the json_data column, we can use json_array_elements in a subquery:

WITH expanded_data AS (
  SELECT json_array_elements(json_data) AS element
  FROM data
)
SELECT * FROM expanded_data;

This query will return a set of individual elements from the arrays in the json_data column:

       element
-------------------
 1
 2
 3
 1
 2
 null
 4
 5
(8 rows)

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of the `json_array_elements` function in PostgreSQL 9.4?

A: The json_array_elements function is used to expand a JSON array into a set of individual elements. This function is particularly useful when working with arrays of varying lengths.

Q: How do I use the `json_array_elements` function to expand an array with null values?

A: To expand an array with null values using json_array_elements, you can use the following syntax:

SELECT * FROM json_array_elements('[1, 2, null, 4, 5]');

This will return a set of individual elements from the array, including the null value.

Q: What happens to null values when expanding an array using `json_array_elements`?

A: When expanding an array with null values using json_array_elements, the null values are treated as individual elements in the resulting set. This means that the null values are not filtered out, but rather included in the output.

Q: Can I use `json_array_elements` with arrays of varying lengths?

A: Yes, you can use json_array_elements with arrays of varying lengths. The function will expand each array into individual elements, regardless of its original length.

Q: How do I handle arrays with null values when using `json_array_elements`?

A: To handle arrays with null values when using json_array_elements, you can use the following syntax:

SELECT * FROM json_array_elements('[1, 2, null, 4, 5]') WHERE value IS NOT NULL;

This will return a set of individual elements from the array, excluding the null value.

Q: Can I use `json_array_elements` with JSON objects?

A: No, json_array_elements is specifically designed to work with JSON arrays, not JSON objects. If you try to use it with a JSON object, you will get an error.

Q: What is the difference between `json_array_elements` and `json_array_elements_text`?

A: json_array_elements returns a set of individual elements from a JSON array, while json_array_elements_text returns a set of individual elements from a JSON array as text.

Q: Can I use `json_array_elements` with arrays containing other types of data?

A: Yes, json_array_elements can be used with arrays containing other types of data, such as integers, strings, and booleans.

Q: How do I use `json_array_elements` with arrays containing nested arrays?

A: To use json_array_elements with arrays containing nested arrays, you can use the following syntax:

SELECT * FROM json_array_elements('[1, [2, 3], 4]');

This will return a set of individual elements from the array, including the nested array.

Q: Can I use `json_array_elements` with arrays containing JSON objects?

A: Yes, json_array_elements can be used with arrays containing JSON objects. The function will expand each JSON object into individual elements.

Q: How do I handle errors when using `json_array_elements`?

A: To handle errors when using json_array_elements, you can use the following syntax:

BEGIN;
TRY
  SELECT * FROM json_array_elements('[1, 2, null, 4, 5]');
EXCEPTION WHEN OTHERS THEN
  RAISE NOTICE 'Error: %', SQLERRM;
END;

This will catch any errors that occur when using json_array_elements and raise a notice with the error message.