Rework annotations to use JSON instead of UDTs #1367

Problem or motivation

Annotations are currently defined, searched, and filtered via PL/SQL object types.

Proposed solution

This discussion is proposing a move to JSON so annotation data is easier to extend, query, and pass around without depending on database-defined types.

There needs to be a proof of concept created first to check if move to JSON will actually simplify some of the existing code and if the performance of suite-building will not be negatively impacted by that change.

The JSON annotation schema should definitely be documented as part of the work.

The JSON schema could then be published/versioned for external tooling to rely on. The value of having the schema published needs to be assessed before time is pent on it.

Framework area

Annotations