http://www.perlmonks.org?node_id=870348


in reply to difference between syb_nsql and prepare/execute call

If you prepare() then execute(), you have the option of executing the same statement multiple times without preparing again. A simple optimization that can add up when updating many records.

The syb_nsql combines these steps into one, as well as offering additional functionality with callbacks. Docs cover this better than I can explain it.