Bring JSON_SET function to i

I am writing to propose the development and implementation of a new function, JSON_SET(), on the IBM i system. As developers on the IBM i platform, we face limitations in manipulating JSON data, which has become increasingly prevalent in modern applications. Given that there are not many options for NoSQL databases on IBM i yet, we are leveraging our DB2 for i tables to store JSON data. However, this approach would greatly benefit from enhanced manipulation capabilities provided by a JSON_SET() function.

Benefits of Implementing JSON_SET() Function

Enhanced Data Manipulation:

• Ease of Use: The JSON_SET() function would simplify the process of updating JSON data within our DB2 for i tables. Developers could easily add, update, or remove key-value pairs without complex and error-prone string manipulation.
• Increased Efficiency: By providing a built-in method to modify JSON data, we can reduce the overhead associated with manual data parsing and reconstruction. This will lead to faster development cycles and more efficient code execution.

Improved Data Integrity:

• Consistency: Ensuring JSON data integrity and consistency can be challenging with current methods. The JSON_SET() function would help maintain data structure and validity, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
• Transaction Safety: Leveraging DB2 for i's transactional capabilities with JSON manipulation ensures that changes are atomic, consistent, isolated, and durable (ACID properties).

Modernization and Competitiveness:

• Alignment with Modern Practices: JSON is a widely adopted data interchange format in modern web and mobile applications. By enhancing our capabilities to handle JSON data natively, we align our IBM i platform with contemporary development practices.
• Attracting Talent: Modernizing our toolset helps attract and retain talented developers who are accustomed to working with JSON and other modern technologies.

Enhanced Interoperability:

• Integration with Other Systems: Many external systems and APIs use JSON as their primary data format. Having robust JSON manipulation functions like JSON_SET() facilitates easier integration and data exchange with these systems.
• Support for Hybrid Solutions: As we continue to adopt hybrid solutions involving both traditional relational databases and NoSQL data structures, the ability to efficiently handle JSON within DB2 for i becomes increasingly important.

Developer Productivity:

• Reduced Complexity: Simplifying JSON manipulations reduces the cognitive load on developers, allowing them to focus on implementing business logic rather than handling data format intricacies.
• Code Maintainability: Built-in functions like JSON_SET() lead to cleaner and more maintainable code, as they abstract away the complexities of data manipulation.

Conclusion

The implementation of a JSON_SET() function on the IBM i system will significantly enhance our ability to work with JSON data, aligning with modern development practices and improving overall efficiency. This function will not only streamline data manipulation processes but also support our ongoing efforts to modernize the IBM i platform and make it more attractive to developers.

I believe this enhancement will be a valuable addition to our toolset and look forward to discussing this proposal further.

Thank you for considering this request.