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

Understanding the Difference Between a Procedure and a Function in PL/SQL

When working with PL/SQL, it's essential to grasp the distinction between a procedure and a function. In PL/SQL, a procedure is a subroutine that performs a specific task or operation. Procedures do not return any value and are typically used for performing actions like updating data, modifying records, or executing business logic.

On the other hand, a function in PL/SQL is also a subroutine but with a key difference - functions return a value. Functions are designed to compute and return a single value, making them suitable for calculations, data manipulation, and other tasks that require a return result.

So, in summary, the primary difference between a procedure and a function in PL/SQL is that procedures do not return values while functions do. Understanding when to use each can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your PL/SQL code.