Difference Between SQL JOIN and Subquery

The main difference between SQL JOIN and subquery are mentioned in the table below:

Subquery JOIN
A subquery is a query nested inside another query and is used to return data that will be used in the main query as a condition to further restrict the data to be retrieved. A JOIN is a means for combining fields from two tables by using values common to each.
Subqueries can be slower than JOINs, especially if the subquery returns a large number of rows. JOINs are generally faster than subqueries, especially for large datasets.
Subqueries can be more complex and harder to read, especially when there are multiple levels of nesting. JOINs can be easier to read and understand, especially for simple queries.
Subqueries can be used in SELECT, WHERE, and FROM clauses, offering more flexibility. JOINs are used to combine rows from two or more tables based on a related column.
Subqueries are often used when the result of the query is not known or dynamic. JOINs are used when the relationships between the tables are known and fixed.

SQL Join vs Subquery

The difference between SQL JOIN and subquery is that JOIN combines records of two or more tables whereas Subquery is a query nested in another query.

SQL JOIN and Subquery are used to combine data from different tables simplifying complex queries into a single statement.

Here we will discuss SQL JOIN vs Subquery in detail, and understand the difference between JOIN and Subquery with examples.

Similar Reads

What is SQL JOIN?

A SQL JOIN is a query that combines records from two or more tables. A join will be performed whenever multiple tables appear in the FROM clause of the query. The select list of the query can select any columns from any of these tables....

What is Subquery?

A Subquery or Inner query or Nested query is a query within an SQL query and embedded within the WHERE clause. A Subquery is a SELECT statement that is embedded in a clause of another SQL statement....

Difference Between SQL JOIN and Subquery

The main difference between SQL JOIN and subquery are mentioned in the table below:...

Conclusion

In conclusion, A subquery is often easier to write, but a join might be better optimized by the server. For example, a Left Outer Join typically works faster because servers can optimize it more efficiently....

Contact Us