Why should a developer prefer using a Structure over an Entity for SQL SELECT queries?

Choosing to use a Structure instead of an Entity for SQL SELECT queries can be advantageous primarily because queries that employ Structures typically retrieve fewer attributes and less data compared to using Entities. When using Structures, developers have the ability to define exactly what data they need without bringing in the entire set of attributes associated with an Entity. This targeted approach helps optimize performance by reducing the load on the database and the amount of data transferred during a query operation.

Using Structures thus enhances the efficiency of data handling, making it easier to work with just the necessary information, which is particularly useful in scenarios where only a subset of data is required. This choice not only improves application performance but also leads to cleaner and more maintainable code since developers aren't burdened with unnecessary attributes from the Entities.

In contrast, while it may seem convenient to use Entities due to their predefined attributes and relationships, doing so can lead to inefficiencies, especially in larger databases or when only a few attributes are required for a specific operation. Therefore, using Structures is often the preferred method for streamlining data access and optimizing application performance during SQL SELECT operations.