There are three main ways to run raw SQL queries in Laravel. First, use the DB::select method to execute the original query, pass the SQL string and bind parameter array to prevent SQL injection and return the resulting object array; second, use DB::statement() to perform insert, update, or delete operations; finally, use DB::raw() to embed raw SQL snippets in Eloquent queries, suitable for complex queries or aggregation logic, but overuse should be avoided to maintain maintainability. Always use parameter binding to ensure security and use raw SQL only when necessary (such as complex queries, performance optimization, or legacy databases) to reduce dependency on specific database engines.
In Laravel, even though Eloquent ORM is the go-to tool for most database interactions, sometimes you just need to run a raw SQL query. Whether it's for performance, complexity, or convenience, Laravel makes it pretty straightforward.

Here's how to do it right.
Using DB::select
for Raw Queries
The simplest way to run a raw SQL query is by using the DB::select
method. It allows you to write plain SQL while still benefiting from Laravel's database connection handling and result hydration.

use Illuminate\Support\Facades\DB; $results = DB::select('SELECT * FROM users WHERE active = ?', [1]);
- The first argument is your SQL string.
- The second is an array of bindings — this helps prevent SQL injection.
- It returns an array of PHP objects, so you can loop through them or access fields directly.
If you're not selecting data but running an insert, update, or delete, use DB::statement()
instead.
Binding Parameters the Right Way
When writing raw queries, always use parameter binding instead of concatenating values directly into the SQL string. This avoids SQL injection vulnerabilities.

For example, here's how you should do it:
$userId = 5; $results = DB::select('SELECT * FROM orders WHERE user_id = ?', [$userId]);
Or, if you prefer named bindings (especially useful for longer queries):
$results = DB::select('SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = :id', ['id' => 5]);
- Use
?
for positional placeholders - Or use
:name
for named placeholders - Pass the values in an array as the second argument
This keeps your query secure and readable.
Running Raw Queries in Eloquent Models
If you're using Eloquent but still want to write raw SQL, you can use the DB::raw()
method inside your queries.
For example:
$users = User::select(['id', 'name', DB::raw('COUNT(orders.id) as order_count')]) ->leftJoin('orders', 'orders.user_id', '=', 'users.id') ->groupBy('users.id') ->get();
-
DB::raw()
tells Laravel to treat that part as raw SQL - It's useful when building complex queries with aggregations or custom logic
- You can also use it in where clauses or order by statements
But be careful: if you overuse DB::raw
, your query can become hard to maintain or test.
When to Use Raw Queries
You don't need raw SQL for every situation, but there are times when it makes sense:
- When dealing with complex joins or subqueries that are hard to express with query builder methods
- For performance-critical parts of your app where you want full control over the SQL
- When working with legacy databases that don't follow Laravel's naming or structure conventions
Just remember: raw SQL ties you more closely to a specific database engine, so if you plan to switch databases later, it might complicate things.
Basically, that's how you safely and effectively run raw SQL queries in Laravel. It's not complicated, but it does require attention to security and structure.
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