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Asked: 2026-06-01T20:11:54+00:00

I’m wondering what the difference between the following queries (using two different join syntaxs)

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I’m wondering what the difference between the following queries (using two different join syntaxs) would be. I saw this in some code I was inherited and was curious if there outcome is always the same. And if not, why you would use one over the other.

Query #1 Example:

SELECT * FROM TableA a
  INNER JOIN TableB b
    INNER JOIN TableC c
      ON b.TableBId = c.TableCId
     ON b.TableBId = a.TableAId

Query #2 Example:

SELECT * FROM TableA a
  INNER JOIN TableB b
     ON b.TableBId = a.TableAId
  INNER JOIN TableC c
     ON b.TableBId = c.TableCId
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1 Answer

  1. Editorial Team

    As has already been stated, you can review the execution plans to verify that these are indeed the same queries. I am almost certain that they are, though

    More to your question of why you would choose one over the other. I would say that this comes down to style preferences. Most of the time you will see Query #2 because it has a clearer definition for future readers. If you create a truly complicated query, then the benefit you gain grows tremendously.

    I cannot really vouch for the other approach as I truly believe that it becomes too unreadable and should never be used. Again, that is my opinion and, the reasoning comes down to opinions/styles.

    However, the standard way is query2, so I would stick with that :)…but again, just me

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