PostgreSQL 18 reference · JSON Functions

PostgreSQL JSONB_INSERT() Function

Insert a value into a JSON array at a path (before or after an element) or add a new object key.

PostgreSQL 18 Since 9.6

Create a free account to save this page, take notes and track your progress. Sign in

Syntax

jsonb_insert(target, path, new_value, insert_after)

Parameter	Description
`target`	The original `jsonb`.
`path`	Where to insert.
`new_value`	The value.
`insert_after` optional	Insert after the element instead of before. Default: `false`

jsonb.

Insert into an array

SELECT jsonb_insert('{"tags":["a","c"]}', '{tags,1}', '"b"') AS inserted;

Output

         inserted
---------------------------
 {"tags": ["a", "b", "c"]}
(1 row)

Run this on your computer — see “Get Started” for setup.

Append at the end

SELECT jsonb_insert('[1,2]', '{-1}', '3', true) AS appended;

Output

 appended
-----------
 [1, 2, 3]
(1 row)

Run this on your computer — see “Get Started” for setup.

Version	Change
PostgreSQL 9.6	Added

JSONB_SET() · Return jsonb with the value at a path replaced or, by default, created. Combine with || to merge objects.
SQL String Functions · tutorial