Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using parameterized SQL statements?

1. Improved readability of SQL commands

2. Protection against SQL injection attacks

3. Enhanced performance on large queries

4. Separation of data from commands

The correct answer is: Enhanced performance on large queries

Enhanced performance on large queries is not a benefit associated with using parameterized SQL statements. While parameterized statements offer several advantages, such as improving readability by making the statement structure clearer and separating data from commands for better maintenance and security, their primary function is not focused on performance gains during query execution. The main benefits of parameterized SQL involve security—such as protection against SQL injection attacks—and maintainability. When using parameters, the database engine can optimize the query execution plan more effectively by reusing the execution plan for similar queries, but this does not necessarily translate to a comprehensive performance enhancement for large queries in all cases. In contrast, improved readability helps developers and database administrators understand the queries better and support maintenance efforts. The separation of data from commands minimizes the risk of dangerous input causing security vulnerabilities. Lastly, protection against SQL injection is a critical benefit, as parameterization ensures that user input is treated as data, not as executable code, thus safeguarding the database.