What are the advantages and disadvantages of using multi_query in PHP for executing multiple SELECT queries compared to other methods?

When executing multiple SELECT queries in PHP, using multi_query can be advantageous as it allows you to send multiple queries in a single call to the database server, which can improve performance by reducing the number of round trips. However, multi_query can be less secure compared to prepared statements or stored procedures, as it does not automatically escape input values, leaving your application vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. 

<?php
// Establish a connection to the database
$mysqli = new mysqli("localhost", "username", "password", "database");

// Define multiple SELECT queries
$query1 = "SELECT * FROM table1";
$query2 = "SELECT * FROM table2";

// Execute the multiple queries using multi_query
if ($mysqli->multi_query($query1 . ";" . $query2)) {
    do {
        // Store and process the results of the first query
        if ($result = $mysqli->store_result()) {
            while ($row = $result->fetch_assoc()) {
                // Process each row from the first query
            }
            $result->free();
        }
        // Move to the next result
    } while ($mysqli->next_result());
} else {
    // Handle query execution error
    echo "Error executing multiple queries: " . $mysqli->error;
}

// Close the database connection
$mysqli->close();
?>

Keywords

multi_query PHP SELECT queries advantages disadvantages

Related Questions