Working with JSON data can be a complex task, especially when dealing with large datasets. Trino, formerly known as Presto, is a distributed SQL engine that allows you to query and analyze data from various sources, including JSON files. In this article, we will explore how to read Trino JSON lists easily, and provide a comprehensive guide on working with JSON data in Trino.
Understanding Trino and JSON

Trino is a distributed SQL engine that allows you to query and analyze data from various sources, including relational databases, NoSQL databases, and file systems. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is widely used for exchanging data between web servers, web applications, and mobile apps. Trino provides built-in support for JSON data, allowing you to query and analyze JSON files using standard SQL syntax.
Trino JSON Data Types
Trino supports several JSON data types, including:
- JSON: a JSON object or array
- JSONB: a binary JSON object or array
- JSON_ARRAY: a JSON array
- JSON_OBJECT: a JSON object
These data types allow you to store and query JSON data in Trino, using standard SQL syntax.
Reading Trino JSON Lists

To read Trino JSON lists, you can use the json_array_get
function, which extracts a JSON array from a JSON object. Here is an example:
SELECT json_array_get(json_column, 0) AS first_element
FROM json_table;
This query extracts the first element of the JSON array stored in the `json_column` column of the `json_table` table.
Using the json_array_get
Function
The json_array_get
function takes two arguments: the JSON array to extract from, and the index of the element to extract. The index is 0-based, meaning that the first element of the array has an index of 0.
Here is an example of using the json_array_get
function to extract multiple elements from a JSON array:
SELECT
json_array_get(json_column, 0) AS first_element,
json_array_get(json_column, 1) AS second_element,
json_array_get(json_column, 2) AS third_element
FROM json_table;
This query extracts the first three elements of the JSON array stored in the `json_column` column of the `json_table` table.
Working with Nested JSON Data
JSON data can be nested, meaning that a JSON object can contain other JSON objects or arrays. Trino provides several functions for working with nested JSON data, including:
- json_extract: extracts a JSON object or array from a JSON string
- json_extract_scalar: extracts a scalar value from a JSON string
- json_array_length: returns the length of a JSON array
These functions allow you to query and analyze nested JSON data in Trino, using standard SQL syntax.
Using the json_extract
Function
The json_extract
function takes two arguments: the JSON string to extract from, and the path to the JSON object or array to extract. The path is specified using a dot notation, where each dot separates a level of nesting.
Here is an example of using the json_extract
function to extract a nested JSON object:
SELECT json_extract(json_column, '$.nested_object') AS nested_object
FROM json_table;
This query extracts the `nested_object` JSON object from the `json_column` column of the `json_table` table.
Key Points
- Trino provides built-in support for JSON data, allowing you to query and analyze JSON files using standard SQL syntax.
- The `json_array_get` function extracts a JSON array from a JSON object.
- The `json_extract` function extracts a JSON object or array from a JSON string.
- Trino provides several functions for working with nested JSON data, including `json_extract`, `json_extract_scalar`, and `json_array_length`.
- Trino supports several JSON data types, including `JSON`, `JSONB`, `JSON_ARRAY`, and `JSON_OBJECT`.
Best Practices for Working with Trino JSON Data
Here are some best practices for working with Trino JSON data:
- Use the correct data type: use the correct JSON data type for your data, such as
JSON
orJSONB
. - Use functions to extract data: use functions like
json_array_get
andjson_extract
to extract data from JSON objects and arrays. - Use indexing to improve performance: use indexing to improve the performance of your queries, especially when working with large datasets.
- Optimize your queries: optimize your queries to reduce the amount of data being transferred and processed.
What is the difference between JSON and JSONB in Trino?
+JSON and JSONB are both JSON data types in Trino, but they differ in how they store and process JSON data. JSON stores JSON data as a string, while JSONB stores JSON data in a binary format.
How do I optimize my Trino queries to improve performance?
+To optimize your Trino queries, use indexing to reduce the amount of data being transferred and processed. You can also use functions like `json_array_get` and `json_extract` to extract data from JSON objects and arrays, rather than using string manipulation functions.
What are some common use cases for working with Trino JSON data?
+Some common use cases for working with Trino JSON data include analyzing log data, processing IoT data, and integrating with web applications. Trino's support for JSON data makes it an ideal choice for working with semi-structured data.
In conclusion, Trino provides a powerful and flexible way to work with JSON data, allowing you to query and analyze JSON files using standard SQL syntax. By using functions like json_array_get
and json_extract
, you can extract data from JSON objects and arrays, and optimize your queries to improve performance. With its support for JSON data types and functions, Trino is an ideal choice for working with semi-structured data.