When to use TIBDataSet, TIBQuery, and TIBSQL

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Both TIBDataSet, TIBQuery, and TIBSQL can execute any valid dynamic SQL statement. However, when you use TIBSQL to executeSELECT statements, its results are unbuffered and therefore unidirectional. TIBDataSet and TIBQuery, on the other hand, are intended primarily for use with SELECT statements. They buffer the result set, so that it is completely scrollable.

Use TIBDataSet or TIBQuery when you require use of data-aware components or a scrollable result set. In any other case, it is probably best to use TIBSQL, which requires much less overhead.