When Eloquent is not the right tool.
WHEN TO USE IT
Complex aggregations Reports across several tables Bulk operations Anywhere model overhead is unnecessary
WHAT IT PROVIDES
A fluent way of constructing queries, with parameterisation.
WHAT IT DOES NOT PROVIDE
Model behaviour: casting, relationships, events.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Bulk operations through the builder bypass model events.
Be aware, where those matter.
WHAT TO USE FOR VERY LARGE UPDATES
The builder, which updates in one statement rather than record by record.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Raw expressions, which are not parameterised automatically Dynamic column names from input
WHAT TO DO ABOUT RAW EXPRESSIONS
Bind values explicitly.
Never interpolate.
WHAT TO PREFER
The builder over raw SQL, and Eloquent over the builder, unless there is a reason.
WHY THAT ORDER
Each step down gives more control and less protection.
WHAT TO TEST
That the generated query is what you intended.
