What is the difference between a stored procedure and a function in PL/SQL, and when would you use each in a development project?

Stored Procedure vs Function in PL/SQL

In PL/SQL, a stored procedure and a function are both subprograms that can be stored in the database for repeated use. However, they have some key differences:

Stored Procedure:

• A stored procedure can perform a series of actions and may or may not return a value.
• It can have input and output parameters.
• Stored procedures are used to perform operations that do not necessarily return a value, such as data manipulation or setting values.

Function:

• A function must return a value.
• It can be used in SQL statements to return a single value and can also accept parameters.
• Functions are primarily used to compute and return a value based on input parameters.

When to Use Each in a Development Project:

Use a stored procedure when you need to perform a series of actions or database operations without necessarily returning a value. This is useful for tasks like updating multiple records, data validation, or setting values.

Use a function when you need to compute and return a value, such as performing calculations, data manipulation, or returning a specific value based on input parameters. Functions are commonly used in SELECT statements or WHERE clauses to retrieve specific data.

When designing a PL/SQL solution, consider the specific requirements of your project to determine whether a stored procedure or a function is more suitable for the task at hand.