How do I search for a specific value within a JSON array in a MySQL query?

Search JSON arrays in MySQL using JSON_CONTAINS(), JSON_SEARCH(), or JSON_OVERLAPS(). JSON_CONTAINS(json_col, '"value"', '$.array') checks if array contains specific value, returning 1 or 0. JSON_SEARCH(json_col, 'one', 'searchterm') finds first occurrence and returns path. JSON_OVERLAPS() checks array intersection: JSON_OVERLAPS(json_col->'$.tags', '["tag1","tag2"]') returns true if any match exists. Member OF operator provides cleaner syntax: 'value' MEMBER OF(json_col->'$.array'). For complex conditions, use JSON_TABLE() to unnest arrays into rows for standard SQL operations. Index JSON array searches using multi-valued indexes: CREATE INDEX idx ON table((CAST(json_col->'$.array' AS UNSIGNED ARRAY))). This dramatically improves array search performance. Combine with WHERE clauses for filtered searches. Test JSON structures with our JSON Editor at jsonconsole.com/json-editor to verify array formatting. JSON array searches are powerful but without indexes can be slow on large tables. Always benchmark and consider indexes for production workloads.