Function vs. Procedure: Know the Difference between Function and Procedure
Both of these are concepts used in computer programming languages. However, there is a significant difference between function and procedure. In this article, we are going to discuss the same.
The functions calculate the results of a program on the basis of the given input. A function would return the returning value/control to the code or calling function. The procedures perform certain tasks in a particular order on the basis of the given inputs. A procedure, on the other hand, would return the control, but would not return any value to the calling function or the code.
Let us look at more ways in which both of these terms differ.
What is a Function?
In computer programming languages, a function refers to a set of various instructions that receive input from users for performing certain tasks. These functions then serve their purpose in the program accordingly and return a value.
In simpler words, functions are used in computer programs to calculate anything out of the given input. Thus, it has got its name/ term from Mathematics. These are fundamentals used in computer programming, and these can be either predefined or user-defined. A function performs certain tasks using a block of code in it.
What is a Procedure?
Procedures refer to a set of various instructions that receive input for performing any given task. In SQL, a procedure would not return any value after receiving the input. On the other hand, a function and procedure behave the same way in the Java language. These are, thus, known as subroutines.
In simpler words, a procedure refers to a set of instructions used in programming languages. These are also known as subprograms.
Difference Between Function and Procedure
Let us talk about the differences between Function and Procedure.
| Parameters | Function | Procedure |
| Basics | Functions calculate the results of a program on the basis of the given input. | Procedures perform certain tasks in a particular order on the basis of the given inputs. |
| Try-Catch Blocks | Functions do not provide support for the try-catch Blocks. | Procedures provide support for the try-catch Blocks. |
| SQL Query | We can call a function in a SQL Query. | We cannot call a procedure in a SQL Query. |
| SELECT | The SELECT statements can have function calls. | The SELECT statements can never have procedure calls. |
| Return | A function would return the returning value/control to the code or calling function. | A procedure, on the other hand, would return the control, but would not return any value to the calling function or the code. |
| DML Statements | We cannot use the DML statements in a function, (functions such as Update, Delete, and Insert). | We can always use the DML statements in the case of a procedure. |
| Call | A function can be called using a procedure. | A procedure cannot be called using any function. |
| Compilation | The compilation of a function occurs when we call them in a program. | The compilation of the procedures needs to occur once, and in case it is necessary, these can be called repeatedly, and we don’t have to compile them every single time. |
| Expression | A function must deal with expressions. | A procedure need not deal with expressions. |
| Explicit Transaction Handling | Functions cannot have explicit transaction handling. | Explicit transaction handling exists in the case of a procedure. |
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