Stored Procedure

In programming, a program is a set of instructions given to a computer. Programming involves writing these instructions, which tell the computer what to do.

In programming, a “function” is a component that takes some input, performs a task, and often returns a result. A stored procedure is similar, but in the context of databases, it involves grouping multiple instructions into one unit and does not typically return a value. Think of it as a “function without a return value” in the database world.

Difference Between Stored Procedures and Stored Functions

In programming languages, functions can be classified based on whether they return a value or not:

• Functions with Return Values: Typically just called “functions.”
• Functions without Return Values: Often referred to as “procedures.”

In the database world, a similar distinction is made:

• Stored Procedure: A set of SQL statements that does not return a value.
• Stored Function: A set of SQL statements that returns a value.

Understanding Databases

A database is essentially a system for storing and managing data. A stored procedure in a database is a way to group and save a set of commands that can be executed on the database.

Comparison to Programming

In programming, you create “functions” to group instructions. Functions with return values are generally called “functions,” and those without are called “procedures.”

Similarly, in SQL (a language for managing databases), you group several commands into a unit. If the unit returns a value, it’s called a “stored function.” If it does not return a value, it’s called a “stored procedure.”

Summary

When you hear the term “stored procedure,” think of it as a “function without a return value” used in the database context.