IN Keyword versus OR keyword

Question

Does it make much difference if I use in either of the following in a WHERE clause:

WHERE [Process Code] = 1 AND ([Material ID] = 'PLT' OR [Material ID] = 'BMI')

--or

WHERE [Process Code] =  1 AND [Material ID] IN ('PLT', 'BMI')

Would there be a time I would use one instead of the other?

Answer 1

I can't think of a time I would use the first option. The second option is much cleaner and more expressive. And if it ever needs to be converted into a sub-select, it'll be easier to do.