Eloquent ORM vs DB Query | Laravel

Ritik
3 min readMay 3, 2023

Eloquent and raw database queries are two distinct ways to interface with databases in Laravel, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s look more closely at each strategy and when you might choose one over the other.

There are advantages of both the Eloquent and DB query, all depending on the need of the Program, We will discuss both in this story.

ELOQUENTEloquent is Laravel’s built-in ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) that allows you to work with database tables as if they were PHP classes. With Eloquent, you can perform CRUD operations on database tables using simple and intuitive syntax. Here are some advantages of using Eloquent:

1. Object-oriented approach

Eloquent provides an object-oriented approach to interacting with databases. Instead of writing SQL queries, you define database tables as classes and work with them using methods like all(), find(), create(), and save(). This makes it easy to write and maintain code because you are working with objects rather than raw data.

2. Relationships

Eloquent gives an easy way to define relationships between database tables. You can define relationships like one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many using methods like hasOne(), hasMany(), and belongsToMany(). This makes it easy to work with related data and reduces the amount of code you need to write.

3. Query builder

Eloquent provides a query builder that allows you to write complex queries using a fluent, object-oriented interface. You can use methods like where(), orWhere(), groupBy(), and orderBy() to build queries with ease. The query builder also supports subqueries and joins, making it a powerful tool for writing complex queries.

4. Automatic pagination & timestamps

Eloquent provides automatic pagination for database queries, which makes it easy to paginate large data sets. You can use the paginate() method to paginate query results and the links() method to generate pagination links. also Eloquent automatic timestamps for database tables, which makes it easy to track when records were created and updated. You can define created_at and updated_at columns on your tables and Eloquent will automatically update them when records are created or updated.

RAW DATABASE QUERIES — Raw database inquiries allow you to write SQL queries directly against the database. This is handy when you need to run complicated queries or use database-specific functionality that Eloquent does not provide. Here are some advantages of using raw database queries:

1. Performance

Raw database queries can be faster than using Eloquent for certain types of queries. This is because Eloquent adds an additional layer of abstraction between your code and the database, which can introduce overhead.

2. Flexibility

Raw database queries give you more control over the SQL that is executed against the database. This can be useful when you need to write complex queries or take advantage of database-specific features that are not supported by Eloquent.

3. Debugging

Raw database queries can be easier to debug than Eloquent queries because you can see the exact SQL that is executed against the database. This can be useful when you are trying to diagnose performance issues or other problems with your queries.

In summary, Eloquent is a powerful tool for working with databases in Laravel, but there may be situations where raw database queries are necessary for performance or functionality reasons. When deciding which approach to use, consider the complexity of your queries, the performance requirements of your application, and the specific features of your database.

Please Give me feedback if you find anything wrong or misguiding in this story.

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