SOQL allows us to fetch data from a Salesforce org. There are two ways in which you can do that: 1) Dynamic queries, and 2) Static queries.

 

Dynamic Query

To make a query to the Salesforce database when the query differs based on certain conditions, we use dynamic SOQL queries.

Syntax:

List<sObject> sobjList = Database.query(string);

 

For Example,

String Field1 = ‘Id’;

String Field2 = ‘Name’;

String ObjectName = ‘Account’;

String query = ‘Select ’ + Field1 + ‘, ‘ + Field2 + ‘ From ‘ + ObjectName ;

// Actual query would look like [Select Id, Name From Account]

List<Account> accList = Database.query(query);

 

 

Static Query

To make a query to the database where only filters need to be dynamically assigned and the Object/Field names are going to be constant, we use static SOQL queries.

Syntax:

List<sObject> sobjList = [Select Id, Name From Sobject Where Name = :variable];

 

For Example,

String accName = ‘White Gloves’;

List<Account> accList =  [Select Id, Name From Sobject Where Name = :accName];

 

Conclusion

While a static query works in most use cases, there are some complex requirements that force you to use a Dynamic Query. However, a static query is always preferred as it is lightweight and more secure.

To learn more about SOQL and Salesforce, check out, “SOQL Injection and Prevention.”

 

Additional Resources:

• Salesforce Developers Forum: What is diff between Static soql and Dynamic soql queries? 

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