How do I extract a value from a nested JSON object in MySQL 8.0?

Extract nested JSON values in MySQL 8.0 using JSON_EXTRACT() or the -> and ->> operators. For nested objects: JSON_EXTRACT(json_col, "$.user.address.city") retrieves deeply nested values. The -> operator provides shorthand: json_col->'$.user.address.city' returns JSON value. The ->> operator returns unquoted strings: json_col->>'$.user.name' extracts text directly. Path expressions use dots for object nesting: $.level1.level2.level3. Array elements use brackets: $.users[0].name gets first array element. Wildcards extract multiple values: $.users[*].name returns all names. JSON_UNQUOTE() removes quotes from extracted strings. For null handling, use COALESCE(JSON_EXTRACT(), default_value). Path expressions are case-sensitive. Invalid paths return NULL rather than errors. Test your JSON structure with our JSON Viewer at jsonconsole.com/json-viewer to understand nesting before writing queries. Index virtual columns generated from frequently accessed paths for better performance: (json_col->>'$.user.email') AS email_virtual with index on email_virtual. Proper path expressions make nested JSON queries efficient and readable.