Oracle Developer Interview Question: Explain the difference between a function and a procedure in Oracle PL/SQL

In Oracle PL/SQL, functions and procedures are both subprograms that can be created to perform specific tasks. However, they have some key differences:

Function:

• A function is a subprogram that returns a value.
• It must return a single value using the RETURN statement.
• Functions can be used in SQL queries or expressions.
• Functions are called in SQL queries using SELECT statement.

Procedure:

• A procedure is a subprogram that performs a specific task without returning a value.
• It does not have a RETURN statement as it does not return any value.
• Procedures cannot be used in SQL queries or expressions.
• Procedures are called directly using CALL or EXECUTE statement.

Overall, functions are used to return a single value that can be used in SQL queries, while procedures are used to perform tasks without returning any value.