sqlmysqldatabasestored-proceduressql-function

MySQL procedure vs function, which would I use when?

I'm looking at MySQL procedures and functions. What is the real difference?

They seem to be similar, but a function has more limitations.

I'm likely wrong, but it seems a procedure can do everything and more than a function can. Why/when would I use a procedure vs a function?

Solution

  • You can't mix in stored procedures with ordinary SQL, whilst with stored function you can.

    e.g. SELECT get_foo(myColumn) FROM mytable is not valid if get_foo() is a procedure, but you can do that if get_foo() is a function. The price is that functions have more limitations than a procedure.