What is the difference between execute, executeQuery, and executeUpdate statements in JDBC?

What is the difference between execute, executeQuery, and executeUpdate statements in JDBC?

When working with JDBC in Java, there are three key methods for executing SQL statements: execute, executeQuery, and executeUpdate. Understanding the differences between these methods is crucial for effectively interacting with the database.

1. execute(): The execute method is used to execute any SQL statement, whether it is a SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or any other type of query. It returns a boolean value indicating the type of the result: true if the result is a ResultSet (such as a SELECT statement), and false if it is an update count or there is no result.

2. executeQuery(): The executeQuery method is specifically used to execute SELECT statements that return a ResultSet object. It is used when you want to retrieve data from the database. This method is suitable for read-only operations.

3. executeUpdate(): The executeUpdate method is used for executing SQL statements that modify data in the database, such as INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements. It returns an int value indicating the number of rows affected by the query.

In summary, execute is a general-purpose method that can handle any type of SQL statement, executeQuery is used for executing SELECT statements and retrieving data, while executeUpdate is used for executing SQL statements that modify data in the database. It is important to choose the appropriate method based on the type of operation you are performing.