The best replacement for joins is subqueries.

The best alternatives to joins are rated as following:
★★★★★  subqueries
★★★  unions
★★  includes
★★  outer joins
★  where clause
★  inner joins
★  views
★  includes rails
★  multiple queries
★  nested queries
★  unions sql
  correlated subqueries
  temp tables
  subqueries mysql
  right joins
  sub queries

Your alternative for joins is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about joins, one probably shouldn't forget about linq.

Other search terms related to joins and their ratings are:
★★★★★ linq
★★★ multiple tables
★★ 3 tables
★ examples in sql
★ subquery
mysql
You have in mind a companion for joins and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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joins
subqueries
unions