Subquery vs Join: Which One Should I Use?

What's the difference between a subquery and a join in SQL?

A subquery is a query nested inside another query, while a join combines rows from two or more tables based on a related column.

When should I use a subquery instead of a join?

Use a subquery when you need to filter results based on another query's output, especially if the logic is simpler that way.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! A subquery example: SELECT * FROM employees WHERE id IN (SELECT employee_id FROM sales); A join example: SELECT employees.name, sales.amount FROM employees JOIN sales ON employees.id = sales.employee_id;

Are there performance differences between them?

Yes, joins are generally faster for large datasets, but subqueries can be more readable for complex conditions.