How to export SQL Server data to JSON file

There are several ways to export SQL Server data into a JSON file, including using built-in functions, using third-party tools, or writing a custom script.

Here is an example of how to export SQL Server data into a JSON file using the built-in FOR JSON function:

Retrieve the data: Retrieve the data from the SQL Server table using a SELECT statement.

SELECT id, name, age
FROM mytable

Convert the data to JSON: Use the FOR JSON clause to convert the data to JSON format.

SELECT id, name, age
FROM mytable
FOR JSON AUTO

The FOR JSON clause converts the data to a single JSON object or an array of JSON objects, depending on the AUTO, PATH, or ROOT options.

Save the JSON data to a file: Use the BCP (Bulk Copy Program) utility or the SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) to export the JSON data to a file.

bcp "SELECT id, name, age FROM mytable FOR JSON AUTO" queryout C:\myfile.json -c -T

It’s important to test the export process in a test environment before moving it to production and to validate the data to make sure that it’s exported correctly.

Also, the FOR JSON clause is only available from SQL Server 2016 and above.