What operation is faster than insert/update and utilizes an external ID field?

What operation is faster than insert/update and utilizes an external ID field?

• A. Merge
• B. Upsert
• C. Refresh
• D. Delete

Answer: (B)

Using the upsert operation is advantageous as it combines both the insert and update functionalities into a single action. This capability is particularly useful when working with an external ID field. When external IDs are employed, the system can quickly identify whether a record already exists in the database. If it does, the record is updated; if it does not, a new record is created. This efficiency is crucial because it reduces the number of database interactions required. Instead of performing separate insert and update operations, which can consume more time and resources, the upsert command streamlines the process into one operation. This is why the upsert operation is faster under these circumstances, especially when working with large datasets. In contrast, other operations such as merge, refresh, or delete do not offer the same combination of functionality and efficiency associated with inserting and updating records via an external ID. A merge typically involves combining data from two records rather than dynamically inserting or updating based on an external ID. Refresh operations usually involve reloading data rather than performing insert or update actions. Finally, the delete operation solely removes data and does not insert or update it, which does not fit the criteria of the question.

Using the upsert operation is advantageous as it combines both the insert and update functionalities into a single action. This capability is particularly useful when working with an external ID field. When external IDs are employed, the system can quickly identify whether a record already exists in the database. If it does, the record is updated; if it does not, a new record is created.

This efficiency is crucial because it reduces the number of database interactions required. Instead of performing separate insert and update operations, which can consume more time and resources, the upsert command streamlines the process into one operation. This is why the upsert operation is faster under these circumstances, especially when working with large datasets.

In contrast, other operations such as merge, refresh, or delete do not offer the same combination of functionality and efficiency associated with inserting and updating records via an external ID. A merge typically involves combining data from two records rather than dynamically inserting or updating based on an external ID. Refresh operations usually involve reloading data rather than performing insert or update actions. Finally, the delete operation solely removes data and does not insert or update it, which does not fit the criteria of the question.