What is the difference between a stored procedure and a stored function in PL/SQL?

In PL/SQL, a stored procedure is a set of SQL and procedural statements that perform a specific task or set of tasks. It can take input parameters and may or may not return a value. On the other hand, a stored function is a subprogram that computes a value and returns it. Stored functions must return a value, whereas stored procedures may or may not return a value.

Stored procedures are primarily used for performing an action, such as inserting or updating data, while stored functions are used to compute and return values based on input parameters. Additionally, functions can be called in SQL queries, whereas procedures cannot be directly called within a SELECT statement.

Overall, the key difference between a stored procedure and a stored function in PL/SQL lies in their purpose and the way they handle return values.