How do you use parameters in SQL queries?

Parameters in SQL queries are used to pass values into a query dynamically, making queries more flexible and secure. Instead of hardcoding values directly into the SQL statement, parameters act as placeholders that are replaced with actual values at runtime. This approach is essential for preventing SQL injection attacks and improving code reusability. For example, a query to retrieve user data might filter by a user ID. Instead of embedding the ID directly in the SQL string, a parameter like @UserId can be used, and the value is supplied separately when the query is executed. This separation ensures that user input is treated as data, not executable code.

The syntax for parameters varies slightly depending on the database system and the programming language used. In SQL Server and some other systems, parameters are prefixed with @, such as @Name or @Age. In PostgreSQL, positional parameters like $1, $2 are common. When using programming languages like Python with libraries such as sqlite3 or psycopg2, placeholders like ? or %s are often used. For example, in Python with SQLite, a query might look like SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ?, and the value is passed as a tuple (user_id,) when executing the query. Similarly, in .NET applications using SqlCommand, parameters are added explicitly with command.Parameters.AddWithValue("@UserId", 123). Understanding the syntax specific to your tools is key to using parameters correctly.

Using parameters also improves performance. Databases can cache and reuse execution plans for parameterized queries, reducing overhead when the same query structure is run repeatedly with different values. For instance, an application fetching product details by category could use a parameterized query like SELECT * FROM products WHERE category = @Category. Each time the query runs with a new category value, the database recognizes the pattern and avoids rebuilding the execution plan. Additionally, parameters simplify handling data types, such as dates or strings, by letting the database driver manage proper formatting and escaping. Always use parameters when incorporating user input or dynamic values into SQL queries to maintain security, efficiency, and readability.