What are the best practices for using ORMs compared to raw SQL?

What are the best practices for using ORMs compared to raw SQL?

When using ORMs, it's important to understand the trade-offs. Best practices include optimizing queries, using lazy loading wisely, and avoiding N+1 query problems.

Can you explain what N+1 query problems are?

Sure! The N+1 query problem occurs when an application makes one query to retrieve a list of items and then makes an additional query for each item to retrieve related data, leading to performance issues.

How can I avoid N+1 problems when using an ORM?

You can avoid N+1 problems by using eager loading to fetch related data in a single query, or by using batch processing to minimize the number of queries.

Are there situations where raw SQL is better than using an ORM?

Yes, raw SQL can be better for complex queries, performance-critical applications, or when you need fine-grained control over the database.