A stored procedure is a sequence of statement or a named PL/SQL block which performs one or more specific functions. It is similar to a procedure in other programming languages. It is stored in the database and can be repeatedly executed. It is stored as schema object. It can be nested, invoked and parameterized.
A stored procedure in PL/SQL is a precompiled collection of one or more SQL statements and procedural logic that is stored in the database. It is named and stored in the database as a schema object, allowing it to be executed or called multiple times by applications or other stored procedures.
Stored procedures can be used to encapsulate and organize SQL and PL/SQL code, providing modularity and reusability. They are typically used to perform a specific task or a set of tasks, and they can accept input parameters and return output parameters or result sets.
Key features of stored procedures in PL/SQL include:
- Encapsulation: A stored procedure encapsulates a set of SQL statements and procedural logic, allowing for a modular and organized approach to database programming.
- Parameterization: Stored procedures can take input parameters, allowing them to be more flexible and adaptable to different scenarios.
- Reusability: Once created, a stored procedure can be called multiple times by various applications or other stored procedures, promoting code reuse and reducing redundancy.
- Security: Stored procedures can be granted execution privileges to specific users or roles, providing a layer of security and control over database access.
- Transaction Management: Stored procedures can participate in transactions, allowing for better control and management of database transactions.
To create a stored procedure in PL/SQL, you typically use the CREATE PROCEDURE statement followed by the procedural code.