SQL Server - Differences between Functions and Stored Procedures

Introduction:

Here I will explain the difference between stored procedure and function in SQL Server.

Description:

In previous posts I explained difference between Left Join and Left Outer Join, Difference between Len and DataLength and many articles relating to SQL Server. Now I will explain the difference between stored procedure and function in SQL Server.

Stored Procedre:

Stored Procedure is a group of sql statements that has been created once and stored in server database. It’s pre-compile objects which are compiled for first time and its compiled format is saved which executes (compiled code) whenever it is called. Stored procedures will accept input parameters so that single stored procedure can be used over network by multiple clients using different input data. Stored procedures will reduce network traffic and increase the performance. (Read more Here)

Function:

Function is not pre-compiled object it will execute every time whenever it was called.

Difference between Stored Procedure and Function

1) Procedure can return zero or n values whereas function can return one value which is mandatory (Read more Here).

2) Procedures can have input, output parameters for it whereas functions can have only input parameters.

3) Procedure allows select as well as DML(INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE) statements in it whereas function allows only select statement in it.

4) Functions can be called from procedure whereas procedures cannot be called from function.

5) Exception can be handled by try-catch block in a procedure whereas try-catch block cannot be used in a function.

6) We can go for transaction management in procedure whereas we can't go in function.

7) Procedures cannot be utilized in a select statement whereas function can be embedded in a select statement.

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