Stored Procedures and Functions have different properties. They have certain limitations, and the result is different in both cases. The stored Procedure needs both input and output parameters, but there is no need for output parameters in the Function.
The function can be called by using a stored procedure, but the opposite way is not possible.
Key Takeaways
- Stored procedures perform actions within a database and can return multiple values as output parameters.
- Functions return a single value and can be used within SQL statements as expressions.
- Stored procedures can modify database data, while functions are read-only.
Stored Procedure vs Function
The difference between Stored Procedure and Function is Function will always give the output, but Stored Procedure can sometimes produce no result. The input and output information has to be mentioned in Stored Procedure, but it is not like this in Function. The Function only needs an input parameter. A stored procedure can produce a big value which can be up to 1024 values, but a Function will return only one particular value.
Stored Procedures are normally called independently. The execute command helps to call the stored procedure independently. This cannot be called from functions. It helps to call the functions.
Functions can be invoked from the stored procedure. The stored procedure can return 1024 values as a result.
The function does not need any specific output parameter. It only requires input parameters to produce the result. It does not invoke multiple results. Rather it produces only one result.
A function can be written and embedded within a SELECT statement. It will always produce the result. The result is only one value and a particular value.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Stored Procedure | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Input and output parameter | Input parameter |
| Result | Multiple large values | Single result |
| Invoked by | None | Stored procedure |
| Return value size | 1024 digits | 1 digit |
| Probability of output | Moderate | High |
| Modification of data | Yes | No |
What is Stored Procedure?
The operation of the Stored Procedure does not depend on anything. Rather it is independently working and produces the result. It is used to invoke functions.
It depends on whether the Stored Procedure will produce the result or not. Sometimes there is no result, and sometimes there are multiple results.
The stored procedure needs input and output parameters to produce the result. The Stored Procedure cannot work in some cases, like it cannot work under having, select, or where statements.
The data which is used in the Stored Function can be modified at any point in time. These are pre-compiled objects.
Pre-compiled objects were compiled for the first time, and the system remembers the format of the data. These formats are useful when other things are compiled by the users.
The values keep on changing. The result can be a very large value or small value and sometimes no value at all.
This reduces the server traffic as it reduces the SQL queries into a small line, due to which transmission is faster. It even reduces the development cycle.
The work can be done in very little time. It is easily used by multiple users as it is a stored procedure.
What is Function?
Functions are divided into two categories which are user-defined functions and built-in functions.
Built-in functions are already present in the SQL server, whereas User-defined functions have to be declared by the users in SQL functions. It needs input parameters, and there is no need for output parameters.
It always produces a particular value. The execution of codes becomes faster by using these user-defined functions. The formats are already there, due to which compilation of codes becomes easy, and there is no time-consuming process.
The execution becomes faster as the formats are used continuously for execution.
There is no possibility of returning a null value. It will always return a particular value. These functions cannot call user-defined functions.
Functions can be invoked by using select statements in the SQL server. In this type of function, UDF is used in the result set within the join clause.
Functions cannot make use of try-catch blocks. It does not need an output parameter to produce the result. There is no requirement for output parameters in the functions.
DML statements cannot be used in SQL, but select statements can be easily used in these types of servers.
Main Differences Between Stored Procedure and Function
- A stored procedure needs both input and output parameters, but a Function needs only input parameter.
- Stored Procedure return multiple results, but Function never returns multiple answers.
- A stored procedure cannot be invoked from the function, but a function can be invoked from the Stored Procedure.
- Stored Procedure can return 1024 values at once, but Function will give only one value as a result.
- Stored Procedure can sometimes not answer, but Function will always give the output.
- Data can be modified in Stored Procedure but not in Function.
- http://sutiawan.staff.gunadarma.ac.id/Downloads/files/32426/SQL+Server+2000+Stored+Procedure+Programming.pdf
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.5555/1083592.1083734
Last Updated : 09 August, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The detailed comparison table provides a concise summary of the distinctive properties of stored procedures and functions. A commendable source of information.
Agreed, the comparison table is a helpful addition to this article, making it easy to grasp the key differences. Great work!
I appreciate the detailed exploration of the differences in functionality and usage between stored procedures and functions. It’s a well-structured and informative read.
The explanation of how stored procedures and functions operate is very thorough and adds to the clarity of the topic.
The in-depth analysis of stored procedures and functions provided here is truly commendable. Well-researched and insightful!
The distinctions between stored procedures and functions in this article are excellently explained. A very informative analysis.
The thorough elucidation of the differences in stored procedures and functions provides a comprehensive understanding of their functionalities.
This article offers a detailed and insightful comparison of stored procedures and functions, shedding light on their diverse characteristics and applications.
Absolutely, the comprehensive coverage of the differences between the two is very helpful in understanding their nuances.
The detailed insights provided here are immensely helpful in understanding the functions and differences of stored procedures and functions. Great read!
The explanations of how stored procedures and functions differ in terms of requirements and result types are extremely informative. A well-organized and valuable resource.
The article succinctly captures the fundamental disparities between stored procedures and functions. It’s a comprehensive and insightful analysis.
The distinctions in invoking stored procedures and functions are elucidated well here. A very informative piece!
The details regarding the invocation and return values are excellently clarified in this article. A substantial contribution to the topic.
This article provides a comprehensive understanding of the features and behaviors of stored procedures and functions. Well-done!
The distinctions drawn between stored procedures and functions are quite clear in this article. It offers a comprehensive breakdown of their features and behaviors.
Absolutely, this piece effectively highlights the essential aspects of stored procedures and functions in database management.
This article does a great job of explaining the key differences between stored procedures and functions and how each works. Very informative!
The comparison table is particularly useful in summarizing the differences. Well-written article!
I agree, the details provided here are very insightful and helpful in understanding the topic.
The emphasis on the contrast in the invocation of stored procedures and functions is particularly enlightening. This article presents the information in a clear and coherent manner.
The breakdown of differences in modifying data and the return value sizes is very well articulated. Great article!
The article effectively presents the differences in input and output parameters, return values, and the invocation of stored procedures and functions. It’s a valuable resource for understanding these concepts.
I completely agree, the clarity provided by this article in distinguishing between the two is highly beneficial for database professionals.