8 min read

Although a lot of individuals use databases, many are unaware of the distinction between Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL. Their goal is to obtain the query’s output, whether it is dynamic or static.

Because it is a potent technology that allows SQL statements to be constructed and executed at runtime, dynamic SQL is fascinating. Developers may create more adaptable and flexible queries with dynamic SQL that can react to various inputs, conditions, and logic as they run.

Keep reading and exploring to learn what is the difference between static and dynamic DBMS in 2025.

What is Static or Embedded SQL?

Static SQL is  specific kind of application where SQL statements are secure or static. This contrasts with dynamic SQL, which creates the actual query to have better performance on a database during runtime. Static SQL statements are hence embedded SQL statements that remain constant while the application software is running.

Embedded statements, such as the PREPARE statement, are likewise static in a strict sense. Although they allow the usage of dynamic SQL statements, they have integration into application software. Later in this documentation, in the section on Dynamic SQL, we have explained such statements.

How Does it Work?

Embedding

The source code of an application software, usually written in a host language like C, COBOL, or Java language, contains static SQL statements.

Preparation

The source code is administered by a specialized tool known as a SQL precompiler or preprocessor before the application is built. The encoded SQL statements are recognized by this precompiler, which also verifies their syntax before turning them into calls to a database API or database management system (DBMS). In the updated source code, the original SQL statements frequently convert to comments. It is the main aspects of Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL.

Binding/Readiness

Additionally, the DBMS uses the information produced by the precompiler—typically in the form of a “package” or “plan”—to create the static SQL statements. This preparation entails:

• Parsing is the process of checking the SQL statement for proper syntax.
• Validation: Verifying that data types, user rights, and object names (tables, columns) are all correct.
• Optimization: Establishing an execution plan and figuring out the most effective way to get the data.

Gathering And Connecting

The host language compiler then compiles the altered source code—which now includes the DBMS calls instead of the original SQL—and links it to produce an executable application.

Implementation

The host language code, including the DBMS calls, is executed by the application software when it runs. To effectively execute the SQL queries, the DBMS takes advantage of the pre-established execution plan that was developed during the binding/preparation stage.

Also Read: PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Which Database is Best For Your Project?

What is Dynamic SQL?

As the name suggests, it is a method that enables experts to create SQL statements that are dynamically alterable during execution. For instance, the application may let users execute their queries during execution. A dynamic query is a statement that can be created at runtime or during execution.

To determine whether an access plan is present for Dynamic SQL, DB2 searches the package cache. It compiles the SQL and generates an access plan if none already exists. Every execution does this, and the re-use of access plans depends only on the contents of the package cache at the time of execution. Let’s discuss the working of SQL Dynamic SQL before getting into the Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL comparison.

How Does it Work?

Building

Developers construct a dynamic SQL statement as a string rather than a fixed SQL query, frequently by concatenating different sections such as table names, column names, WHERE clause criteria, or even whole subqueries. They obtain these components via runtime variables, application logic, or user input.

Implementation

A database system offers a particular command or function to execute the SQL statement once you create it as a string. For instance, you can use the sp_executesql stored procedure or the EXEC command in SQL Server for this. Other database systems, such as Oracle PL/SQL’s DBMS_SQL package or native dynamic SQL, also provide similar techniques.

Adaptability

Situations where the precise form of the query is unknown until the program is running are made possible by this dynamic creation and execution. Among the examples are:

• Creating reports as per the user choices that include customizable filters.
• Constructing search interfaces that let users select which tables or columns to query or search.
• Automating administrative processes that entail navigating between different-named database items.

Also Read: SQL vs MySQL: Making the Right Database Choice For You

How Are SQL Statements Handled?

Understanding how the Structured Query Language statements are handled is essential before moving on. If you want to compare Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL differences, consider first the following DBMS actions:

Statement of Parse

The user wishes to execute the following query, for instance:

• SELECT P, Q, and R
• FROM A AND B
• P>800 WHERE
• AND R = “XYZ”

To ensure that the statement is free of typographical and syntactic problems, the DBMS will break the query down into discrete words, or tokens. Since there is no need to visit the database security to parse the statement, it will be completed relatively rapidly.

Verify The Statement

Tables A and B in our example will be checked by the database management system to see if they are present in the database (system catalog). Is the user has permission to execute these statements? DBMS confirms that the column names are real and unambiguous.

Statement of Optimization

By experimenting, DBMS optimizes the statement. Is it possible to expedite a search using an index (primary key)? Does the database management system start with the join and utilize the condition later, or should it apply a search condition to the first table first and then join it to the second table?

DBMS will select the most appropriate condition after examining all of the potential ones. It is a CPU-intensive procedure since it may investigate thousands of alternative approaches for the same question.

Binary Form or Access Plan

The access plan or binary form of SQL statements will be used in production in this stage.

The Access Plan’s Implementation

Finally, the Access strategy will have implemented.

Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL: Key Differences

It is crucial to examine their distinctions to choose when to employ each carefully. So, here are the main Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL comparisons:

Definition And Fundamental Idea

Queries that go into the program and are compiled before execution are referred to as static SQL. The query’s structure cannot be altered at runtime once it has been built. Developers are well aware of the query’s appearance and functionality. However, developers may create or modify SQL statements as they are in execution with Dynamic SQL. It creates queries dynamically regularly in response to user input, parameters, or circumstances. Everything else has prediction on this behavioral difference.

Aspects of Performance

One of the most obvious differences between Static and Dynamic SQL is performance. Because the database can precompile and save the execution plan, static SQL is often quicker. Since the query remains unchanged, the optimizer has already identified the most effective course of action. The database utilizes the same plan each time the query executes, saving overhead and processing time.

Because it creates the query at runtime, dynamic SQL acts differently. The database might have to parse, optimize, and compile the query form every time it goes into construction. Compared to static SQL, this additional effort may cause execution to lag. Though caching methods and query parameters may boost efficiency, dynamic queries usually need more resources in high-volume systems.

Implications For Security

Another crucial area where the two Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL strategies differ is security. Because the query format is fixed, static SQL is inherently safer. Malicious inputs have little opportunity to change the functionality because the statement is preset. As a result, it is more resilient to assaults like SQL injection.

However, dynamic SQL frequently poses concerns. Attackers can insert malicious code when user input is directly merged into a SQL string. Developers must utilize stored procedures, bind variables, or parameterized queries to lower this risk. Despite the protections offered by modern database systems, negligent use of dynamic SQL can nevertheless result in problems that static SQL completely avoids.

Readability And Maintainability

It is simpler to manage Static SQL from a development perspective. Debugging and troubleshooting are made easier by the queries’ obvious visibility in the code. Developers can predict the precise behavior of the SQL and optimize appropriately because it does not change during execution.

Maintaining dynamic SQL may soon become more difficult, particularly when complicated conditions or several factors shape the query. Long concatenated SQL strings can make debugging difficult and decrease readability. Modern frameworks offer improved capabilities for handling dynamic queries, but maintaining clean and comprehensible code is still a problem.

Realistic Use Cases

The greatest results from static SQL come from predictable queries. It is typical in applications like financial reporting, transaction processing, and systems with stringent compliance requirements when activities don’t change frequently. When stability, speed, and dependability are more crucial than flexibility, developers choose Static SQL.

When query requirements are not set in stone, dynamic SQL is more appropriate. Dashboards for reporting, multi-filter search systems, and applications where various users require distinct query responses are a few examples. In many situations, flexibility is more important than speed, and Dynamic SQL offers the necessary flexibility when you compare Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL.

Execution Plans And Optimization

The database creates and saves an execution plan when a Static SQL query runs. Every time the query executes, it uses this plan again, resulting in efficiency and consistency. The database optimizer can provide consistent performance over several executions thanks to the predictable structure.

In contrast, when the query changes with dynamic SQL, new execution plans are regularly necessary. Every distinct query needs processing and optimizing once again unless it uses bind variables or caching techniques. Although plan caching tools are available in certain contemporary systems to help with this issue, Dynamic SQL’s unpredictability still needs careful calibration.

Conclusion

When weighed against the serious issues of security and dependency testing, this Dynamic SQL vs Static SQL distinction seems insignificant; yet, dynamic SQL’s unwieldiness is frequently its greatest flaw.

It is challenging to view lengthy snippets of dynamic SQL being put together and comprehend how the whole SQL might seem at runtime. When you can’t easily visualize the SQL that’s generating the mistake, debugging it becomes even more difficult.

Developers come and go from large, ongoing projects, so code maintainers might not fully understand the variety of circumstances that dynamic SQL can handle or why something was coded a specific way. It is too simple to cause errors when altering complicated dynamic SQL. As a result, maintenance costs for dynamic SQL are often significantly greater than those for static SQL. Comment below your thoughts on what is the difference between static and dynamic SQL.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is The Difference Between Static SQL And Dynamic SQL?

You need to parse static SQL statements just once because you hard-code them into the software. Using static SQL accelerates processing. Programs that have uncertain SQL statement content when created might benefit from dynamic SQL.

What is The Primary Advantage Of Dynamic SQL Over Static SQL?

Flexibility is dynamic SQL’s main benefit over static SQL.

What Is Dynamic SQL In SQL?

SQL statements that have creation and execution at runtime, in comparison to being hard-coded or preset during the development stage, refer to SQL Dynamic SQL.

What Are The Three Different Types Of SQL?

Data Definition Language, DML – Data Manipulation Language, Data Control Language, Transaction Control Language, and Data Query Language (DQL) are the general categories under which SQL commands fall.