How to Store Key-Value or One to Many User Settings in database (Xml, Json)?

Question

Should we Keep application key-value settings data in Serialized manner in db like XML or JSON format. e.g. user setting data can be kept in serialized manner in a single nvarchar(2000) column

Or I should keep them as table with columns like BELOW

User ID, Setting Name, Setting Value

1. 123,AssignedQuiz,Science
2. 123,AssignedQuiz,Maths
3. 456,AssignedQuiz,Geo

Answer 1

While storing in serialized manner it is difficult to update a single value in it. Instead You need to update the column every time.
And if you store in table base it easy to update a single row or retrieve it from table.

You can define structure as:
Table:setting
column(settingid,setting_name,setting_value)

Table: user_settings
column(userid,settingid)