In an SQL Query, must the Output Entities / Structures always be defined to know the output type?

In SQL queries, defining the output entities or structures is indeed essential to specify the type of data that will be returned. This is crucial because the output structure defines how the data will be processed and consumed later. When you develop applications in OutSystems, the framework relies on this metadata to handle the data effectively, optimize performance, and ensure that the correct data types are used throughout the application.

Without a clear definition of the output entities or structures, the application would struggle to manage the returned data accurately, leading to potential runtime errors or incorrect data manipulations. As a result, explicitly defining the output type is a fundamental requirement for the successful execution of SQL queries within the OutSystems environment.

Other options, which suggest that it's either not necessary or that it depends on certain conditions, do not acknowledge the importance of having a defined output structure for the proper functioning of the applications.