JSON vs. JSONB

Understand their core differences

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of data management, choosing the right data types is paramount. When working with semi-structured data, particularly within modern databases like PostgreSQL, you’ll inevitably encounter two prominent options: JSON and JSONB. While they might sound similar, their underlying mechanics and optimal use cases differ significantly.

This article will provide a detailed comparison, packed with examples, to help you understand when and why to choose one over the other.

What is JSON? The Universal Data Interchange Format

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, human-readable, text-based data interchange format. It’s derived from JavaScript object literal syntax but is language-independent, with parsers available for virtually every programming language.

Key Characteristics of JSON:

• Human-Readable: Its text-based nature makes it easy for developers to read and write.
• Text-Based: Stored as an exact copy of the input text.
• Schema-less (Flexible): Defines data as a collection of key-value pairs (objects) or ordered lists (arrays).