ORM Libraries vs Raw SQL

Developers should learn ORM libraries when building data-driven applications, such as web services, enterprise software, or content management systems, to reduce boilerplate SQL code, improve maintainability, and enhance security by mitigating SQL injection risks meets developers should use raw sql when they need to write complex queries that orms cannot handle efficiently, such as advanced joins, subqueries, or database-specific functions like window functions in postgresql. Here's our take.

ORM Libraries

Nice Pick

Developers should learn ORM libraries when building data-driven applications, such as web services, enterprise software, or content management systems, to reduce boilerplate SQL code, improve maintainability, and enhance security by mitigating SQL injection risks

Pros

• They are particularly useful in projects using object-oriented languages like Python, Java, or C#, where they streamline database interactions and support rapid development with features like migrations and caching
• Related to: sql, database-design

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Raw SQL

Developers should use Raw SQL when they need to write complex queries that ORMs cannot handle efficiently, such as advanced joins, subqueries, or database-specific functions like window functions in PostgreSQL

Pros

• It is also essential for performance-critical applications where query optimization is crucial, and for tasks like database migrations or reporting that require precise control over SQL execution
• Related to: sql, relational-databases

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. ORM Libraries is a library while Raw SQL is a concept. We picked ORM Libraries based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

ORM Libraries wins

Based on overall popularity. ORM Libraries is more widely used, but Raw SQL excels in its own space.