Db2 JSON functions for RPG data structures

In some of the currently most used languages like Python and Node.js, it is common to define a data structure for your JSON payload, which is then easily transformed into JSON. In Python, we usually define a dictionary with all the fields and our values, while Node.js usually goes down the route of creating an object, which is very similar to a Python dictionary in use.

Therefore, as JSON becomes more and more widely used, it would be great to have (at least) two functions added into Db2, for use in embedded SQL.

• A function for DS -> JSON

• A function for JSON -> DS

It is important that this is a complete solution, meaning that both JSON objects and JSON arrays should be supported.

This would allow an RPG program to more easily handle structured JSON data and make the developer experience much better.

Example

Dcl-Ds MyDs Qualified;
		MyChar					Char(1);
		MyCharArray		Char(1) Dim(20);
End-Ds;

Should turn into something like:

{
		"MyChar": "X",
		"MyCharArray": ["A", "B", "C", "1", "2", ...]
}

And of course the reverse operation would load from the JSON, into MyDs for use in the RPG program.

The YAJL library from Scott Klement can be used as reference, as it provides the needed functionality, but requires a bit more boilerplate code and setup, than I imagine a built-in Db2 function would.

I am aware of the current capabilities of Db2 when it comes to JSON, and have used it with success, but I would like to have the same functionality on DS level.