Can i store multiple add-on for a product in column of table as JSON?

Question

Prob: I have a table which contains list of toys(dolls).while purchasing user can choose options(black dress or white dress) and accessories(earring and anklet).

options 1: First i thought of adding 2 different table for options and accessories.
http://imgur.com/a/FnE6O

But as i am never going to filter/search on these table so i thought of putting these options as JSON in seperate column.So that frontend can easily render JSON as options to user

QUES: As i have to add total price from options and accessories Is this ok to store these type of details as JSON format?
I am also open for other suggestions which is easily maintainable

Answer 1

If you are using an sql-database (and it looks like you are) I really advise you against keeping the data as JSON inside.

Even though MySQL 5.7.8 gives you a good way to access data inside json types, you never know when you are going to need to filter/search/group based in that data.

A quick example that jumps here is that you want to give a user that buys a new doll (productid == 1) a list of all the add-on that people that also bought that doll (productid == 1) purchased in the last week (or month). If you are going to save that data as JSON it will be very hard to query.

I know that your example shows only the meta-data of the add-ons and options, but it's "easy" to go and also save the actual purchases that way (just as add-on to the purchase-row itself).

I advise against it.