A function’s return value or control will be returned to the calling code or function. The procedures carry out numerous responsibilities in an ordered fashion based on the data they are given. In contrast, a procedure returns control but no extra data to the function that invoked it or the code.
What is a Function?
A set of related commands in programming languages is known as a “function.” These directives are meant to be carried out after users’ input and are intended to perform certain tasks. These functions complete their duties and provide a value that quantifies how well they did their job. Functions are used in computer programs to produce arbitrary results based on input data. Therefore, the origin of the word or term is in mathematics. These are the fundamental units of computer programming, and they can be predefined or customised by the user. The code will execute any tasks you pass into a function it contains.
Advantages of Function
- By utilising functions, code can be simplified and more understandable. It is usually difficult to read large volumes of code. Modifying the code into numerous smaller functions helps the program maintain its structure, remain comprehensible, and increase its reusability.
- The C compiler uses top-to-down execution, making managing the control flow within individual functions simple. Dennis Ritchie devised this method of death. At some point, the main() function will receive control again.
- It makes the code easier to understand and provides a framework that can be modified to work with different setups.
- If we need to test only a small subset of the code, we’ll have to run the whole thing and diagnose the issues, which could be time-consuming and laborious. You won’t have to execute the whole program unless we need to test a very small subset of it. The term “subprogram” is also used to describe these. Another advantage of this approach is that it allows for independent testing of each function, which is a far more realistic strategy than the one just described.
- A function can be used to generate our very own header file, which, because it is reusable, can be incorporated into several different applications.
What is a Procedure?
We call a “process” a set of rules that must be followed in a certain order to complete a specific task. A SQL procedure would only accept input and then do nothing for the calling context. However, in Java, a function’s and a procedure’s functionality are the same. The term “subroutine” describes their function perfectly.
In simpler terms, a method is just a set of instructions that can be used in programming languages. The term “subprogram” is also used to describe these.
Advantages of Procedure
- Whenever a stored process is invoked, the response time is drastically reduced because the procedure has already been built and preserved.
- To execute multiple SQL statements in one fell swoop, you can save time by putting them all into a single procedure.
- This is because the database server, where the processes are stored, is much faster than the client. By using it, you may perform complex calculations quickly and efficiently.
- Reducing the amount of code duplication is just one of the many benefits of using procedures; by utilising these procedures, you can access extra SQL functionalities, such as accessing stored functions.
- The built version of a stored procedure can then be used in many other applications. To make modifications, you need simply tweak the routines; no changes to the application’s source code will be required.
- Java can make calls to PL/SQL stored procedures and vice versa. Database-stored PL/SQL procedures.
Difference between Functions and Procedure
Parameters | Function | Procedure |
Basics | The program output is determined by its functions, which evaluate the data passed to them. | Based on their inputs, procedures carry out a series of predetermined actions. |
Return | When a function completes its work, it sends back the returning value and control to the original program code or function that is called it. | When a procedure completes, it returns control to the caller Function but does not provide additional data. |
Compilation | Every time we use a function in our code, we use it.
| The procedures have been compiled and can be invoked as many as necessary without requiring another compilation. |
Expression | Expressions are an integral part of any useful function. | Expressions can be ignored by a method. |