SqlCommand Parameters: Add vs. AddWithValue – When Should I Use Which?

SqlCommand Parameters: Understanding Add and AddWithValue

In working with SQL commands, developers may encounter the need to add parameters. However, the choice between Parameters.Add and Parameters.AddWithValue can be confusing. This article explores the differences and when to use each method.

Parameters.Add vs. Parameters.AddWithValue

Parameters.Add provides explicit control over parameter values by specifying the parameter name, data type, and value. It is preferred when:

• You want granular control over parameter types.
• You need to handle special scenarios, such as passing null values.

Parameters.AddWithValue simplifies parameter addition by automatically deriving the type of the parameter based on its value. It is suitable for:

• Simple parameter scenarios where type inference is sufficient.
• As a shortcut, potentially saving you a few keystrokes.

Example Usage

Consider the following snippet:

command.Parameters.Add("@ID", SqlDbType.Int);
command.Parameters["@ID"].Value = customerID;

This uses Parameters.Add to explicitly specify the parameter name, data type (SqlDbType.Int), and value.

Compare this to:

command.Parameters.AddWithValue("@demographics", demoXml);

Here, Parameters.AddWithValue automatically infers the data type based on the value of "demoXml".

Best Practice for Datetime

For datetime parameters, it is recommended to use Parameters.Add with an explicit SqlDbType of SqlDbType.DateTime. This ensures consistent and accurate handling of datetime values.

Conclusion

When choosing between Parameters.Add and Parameters.AddWithValue, consider the level of control and type inference required for your scenario. If you need precise control or special handling, use Parameters.Add. Otherwise, Parameters.AddWithValue can streamline your code with automatic type inference.

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