query.sql

SELECT b.name as bill, c.name as category, p.amount as amount, ps.name as card, ps.type as card_type
FROM payments as p, bills as b, categories as c, payment_sources as ps
WHERE b.user_id = 1 AND p.bill_id = b.id AND ps.id = p.payment_source_id AND c.id = b.category_id
;

SELECT b.name as bill, c.name as category, p.amount as amount, ps.name as card, ps.type as card_type
FROM bills as b
INNER JOIN payments as p
ON p.bill_id = b.id
INNER JOIN categories as c
ON c.id = b.category_id
INNER JOIN payment_sources as ps
ON ps.id = p.payment_source_id
WHERE b.user_id = 1
;

accuracy of results and performance

both are accurate. But, joins are faster than sub query and left join is faster than inner join

i agree joins are faster. the first query gives you redundant results and is a slower query.

Query 1: "ps.user_id = b.user_id"
Query 2: "ON ps.id = p.payment_source_id"
both are different conditions baa

you're right. let me update that first one.

there you go

Now, both are accurate.

you're right. and speed wise, both are similar.