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Why is it generally recommended to avoid cursors for large data sets in SQL?

hard📝 Conceptual Q10 of 15
SQL - Stored Procedures and Functions
Why is it generally recommended to avoid cursors for large data sets in SQL?
ACursors do not support transactions and rollback
BCursors automatically lock entire tables, preventing any concurrent access
CCursors process rows one by one, causing slower performance compared to set-based operations
DCursors cannot handle NULL values in result sets
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Understand cursor processing style

    Cursors handle rows individually, which is slower than processing all rows at once.

  2. Step 2: Evaluate other options for accuracy

    Cursors do not necessarily lock entire tables, can handle NULLs, and support transactions.

  3. Final Answer:

    Cursors process rows one by one, causing slower performance compared to set-based operations -> Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    Cursors slower due to row-by-row processing [OK]
Quick Trick: Use set-based queries over cursors for better speed [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Thinking cursors lock whole tables
  • Believing cursors can't handle NULL
  • Assuming cursors lack transaction support

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