executeUpdate

The executeUpdate method is a core component in Java's JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) API, primarily used for executing SQL statements that modify data in a database. These statements typically include INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE operations, as well as DDL (Data Definition Language) commands like CREATE TABLE, ALTER TABLE, and DROP TABLE.

When executeUpdate is called on a Statement or PreparedStatement object, it sends the SQL command to the database management system for execution. Unlike the executeQuery method, which is designed for SELECT statements and returns a ResultSet, executeUpdate returns an integer value. This integer represents the number of rows affected by the SQL statement. For DDL statements that do not modify rows, executeUpdate typically returns 0.

In some database systems, executeUpdate can also be used to execute SQL statements that return a ResultSet, such as stored procedures that perform data modifications and also return results. In such cases, the method returns an integer representing the update count, and the results can be retrieved using the getResultSet method of the Statement object.

The executeUpdate method plays a crucial role in managing and manipulating data within relational databases from Java applications, providing a straightforward way to perform data modifications and track their impact.