Newbie Q - controller/view code for mixed query

[eluser]osci[/eluser]
@Nick_MyShuitings

I feel comfortable with sql but I don't see why I shouldn't use active record. It's easy, debugging mostly needs the profiler enabled to see your generated queries and if you can wrap your head around sql you can fix it. And AR doesn't do that much more (it's just a wrapper with security), I don't think it's degrading speed that much (mentioned in another recent post of your's in a similar comment with the above).

It might have some flaws like OR vs. AND in Active Record LIKE query but still by using it we give back and a better product is created. And when you can't find a way with AR then hardcode your sql like you say.