Stored Procedure vs. Functions in SQL Server

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Aryan Kumar · Answer

Stored procedures and functions are both types of reusable code in SQL Server. They can be used to encapsulate complex logic and improve the performance of your applications. However, there are some key differences between stored procedures and functions.
Stored procedures are blocks of SQL code that are stored in the database. They can be executed by calling them from within a query or from another stored procedure. Stored procedures can be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as inserting, updating, and deleting data from tables; running queries; and executing other stored procedures.
Functions are also blocks of SQL code that are stored in the database. However, functions can only return a single value. Functions are often used to perform calculations or to format data.
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between stored procedures and functions:
Feature
Stored procedure
Function
Can return multiple values
No
Yes
Can be called from within a query
Yes
Yes
Can be called from another stored procedure
Yes
No
Can be used to perform a variety of tasks
Yes
No
Often used to perform calculations or format data
No
Yes
The best way to choose between a stored procedure and a function depends on your specific needs. If you need to perform a variety of tasks, then you should use a stored procedure. If you only need to return a single value, then you should use a function.
Here are some additional considerations when choosing between stored procedures and functions:
Performance: Stored procedures can be more efficient than functions, because they can be cached by the database server.Reusability: Stored procedures are more reusable than functions, because they can be called from within other stored procedures.Maintainability: Stored procedures are more maintainable than functions, because they can be easily modified without affecting the code that calls them.

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Stored Procedure vs. Functions in SQL Server

Revati S Misra

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Feature	Stored procedure	Function
Can return multiple values	No	Yes
Can be called from within a query	Yes	Yes
Can be called from another stored procedure	Yes	No
Can be used to perform a variety of tasks	Yes	No
Often used to perform calculations or format data	No	Yes