XML and JSON Recipes for SQL Server
Description
Quickly find solutions to common problems when working with XML and JSON in SQL Server, now updated for SQL Server 2022 and 2025.
This second edition of XML and JSON Recipes for SQL Server expands the original with new recipes, including a dedicated section on FLWOR (For-Let-Where-Order By-Return) syntax for advanced XML querying. It also covers SQL Server's JSON data type introduced in SQL Server 2025 and the latest JSON functions added in SQL Server 2022, making it easier to build, query, and optimize structured data in modern SQL Server environments
A new chapter explores how XML and JSON are used in SQL Server system processes, including DDL triggers, Extended Events, execution plan parsing, and SSIS code-behind, helping you automate diagnostics and streamline development workflows. Whether you are building automation scripts, integrating with front-end applications, or managing cross-platform data exchange, this book provides practical, ready-to-use solutions.
Recipes are presented in a proven problem-solution format: look up the problem, read the solution, and apply it in your own code. Problem solved.
What You Will Learn- Build XML and JSON objects to support automation, integration, and data transfer.
- Import and parse XML and JSON from operating system files and external sources.
- Construct and optimize indexes on XML data to improve query performance.
- Convert query result sets into JSON format and return them to tabular form.
- Automate performance diagnostics by querying and parsing execution plans in XML.
- Replace manual JSON workflows with SQL Server's built-in JSON functions.
- Use FLWOR syntax for advanced XML filtering and transformation.
- Work with the JSON data type introduced in SQL Server 2025.
- Apply new JSON functions added in SQL Server 2022 for efficient data handling.
- Parse and analyze Extended Events, SSIS code-behind, and DDL triggers using XML and JSON.
- Leverage XML and JSON in SQL Server system processes for automation and monitoring.
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Persons
Alex Grinberg has more than 25 years of experience in SQL Server development, administration, and optimization. He specializes in Microsoft technologies, including SQL Server, .NET, SSRS, and SSIS, and provides tuning, analysis, and modernization services for enterprise data systems. Alex is the founder of Hexaart LLC, where he supports clients with advanced SQL solutions, application migration, and on-site training. He is based in the greater Philadelphia area and consults across New York, Philadelphia, and Delaware
Anna Landy is a SQL and business intelligence professional with experience spanning hands-on engineering and data-driven product strategy. She focuses on translating complex business requirements into practical technical solutions and has led projects across analytics, data integration, and SQL development. Anna holds a master's degree in business management from Harvard University and serves on the board of the Philadelphia SQL Server Users Group, supporting community learning and professional development.
Content
Part I.- XML in SQL Server.- 1. Introducing XML.- 2. Building XML.- 3. Manipulating XML Files.- 4. Shredding XML.- 5. Modifying XML.- 6. Filtering XML.- 7. Improving XML Performance.- 8. FLWOR Statements.- Part II.- JSON in SQL Server.- 9. Constructing JSON.- 10. Converting JSON to Row Sets.- 11. Modifying JSON.- 12. XML and JSON with SQL Server System Processes.