Passing Array Parameters and Using LIMIT Clause with PDO

When working with database queries, it can be beneficial to pass an array of parameters to a PDO statement while utilizing the LIMIT clause. However, this can be challenging when using the bindParam method to set individual parameters.

The Dilemma

The challenge arises because the LIMIT clause requires specific numeric values to be bound, while the execute method expects an array of named parameters. This incompatibility prevents both approaches from being used simultaneously.

Overcoming the Issue

The solution lies in disabling the default setting of PDO::ATTR_EMULATE_PREPARES. When enabled, PDO internally generates dynamic SQL and quotes values, essentially emulating prepared statements. However, this default behavior interferes with passing named parameters.

Disabling Emulated Prepares

By setting PDO::ATTR_EMULATE_PREPARES to false using the setAttribute method, the default behavior is disabled. This allows PDO to use actual prepared statements, enabling the binding of named parameters while still utilizing the LIMIT clause.

Example Usage

$pdo->setAttribute(PDO::ATTR_EMULATE_PREPARES, false);
$sql = "SELECT * FROM table WHERE id LIKE CONCAT('%', :id, '%') LIMIT :limit1, :limit2";
$stmt = $pdo->prepare($sql);
$stmt->execute(array(':id' => $id, ':limit1' => $limit1, ':limit2' => $limit2)); // Works!

Performance Considerations

Emulated prepares are used by default for MySQL to enhance performance. Disabling emulated prepares may slightly reduce performance, but it enables greater flexibility in parameter binding.

Additional Resources

For more information on this topic, refer to the following resources:

• [PDO MySQL: Use PDO::ATTR_EMULATE_PREPARES or not?](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/3273325/pdo-mysql-use-pdo-attr-emulate-prepares-or-not)