PreparedStatements

A PreparedStatement in Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) is an interface that represents a precompiled SQL statement. Unlike a standard Statement, a PreparedStatement is created with a SQL query that contains placeholders for parameters. These placeholders are typically represented by question marks (?).

The primary advantage of using PreparedStatements is improved performance. When a PreparedStatement is executed, the database compiles the SQL query only once. Subsequent executions with different parameter values reuse the compiled query, reducing overhead.

Another significant benefit is enhanced security, specifically protection against SQL injection attacks. By separating the SQL code from the user-supplied data, PreparedStatements prevent malicious input from being interpreted as executable SQL commands. The database driver handles the proper quoting and escaping of parameter values.

To use a PreparedStatement, you first obtain a Connection object. Then, you create the PreparedStatement using the connection's prepareStatement() method, passing the SQL query with placeholders as an argument. You then set the values for the placeholders using appropriate setter methods, such as setString(), setInt(), or setDate(), specifying the placeholder index (starting from 1) and the value. Finally, you execute the statement using methods like executeQuery() for SELECT statements or executeUpdate() for INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements.

PreparedStatements are a fundamental tool for secure and efficient database interaction in Java applications.