In that simple example the OR is almost certainly faster... 1) UNION forces a sort operation to be performed (UNION ALL is better in this respect).
2) If the query is forced to perform a full table scan then the union option will perform two scans. There will be similar issues if a full index scan is performed. Of course a lot of data will be cached for the second pass but it must still be done. Therefore, in your simple example (not knowing table volumes, indexing strategies, etc) I would suggest the OR option. Having said that, there are examples in complex queries where a union may perform better (and it may be easier to write as well). Regards, Mark. Saminathan_Seeran [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent by: cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: OR Vs UNION .com 24/06/2003 15:34 Please respond to ORACLE-L Hi All, Could someone explain to me which one is best in the following two queries w.r.t performance? Thanks Sami Query1) ======== select distinct empployee_id from employees where department_id=10 or department_id=20 / Query2) ======= select employee_id from employees where department_id=10 union select employee_id from employees where department_id=20 / -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.net -- Author: INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com San Diego, California -- Mailing list and web hosting services --------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing). <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<---->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Privileged/Confidential information may be contained in this message. If you are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery of the message to such person), you may not copy or deliver this message to anyone. In such case, you should destroy this message and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail or by telephone on (61 3) 9612-6999. Please advise immediately if you or your employer does not consent to Internet e-mail for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of Transurban City Link Ltd shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<---->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.net -- Author: Mark Richard INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com San Diego, California -- Mailing list and web hosting services --------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).