What is a PreparedStatement in JDBC?

A PreparedStatement in JDBC is a precompiled SQL statement that can be executed multiple times with different input values. Unlike Statement, which is used for executing static SQL queries, PreparedStatement is designed for dynamic queries where input values may change frequently. The main advantage of using PreparedStatement is that it allows for parameterized queries, where placeholders (?) are used to insert values at runtime.

Because the SQL statement is precompiled by the database, PreparedStatement offers better performance compared to Statement, especially when executing the same query multiple times with different parameters. This precompilation also enhances security by reducing the risk of SQL injection attacks, as the input values are treated as data rather than executable code.

PreparedStatement is widely used in JDBC applications for executing repetitive SQL operations, such as inserting records or updating data. Its ability to handle parameters dynamically makes it a powerful tool for building flexible and secure database interactions in Java.