Stored Procedure vs Functions: What's the Difference?

What is the difference between stored procedures and functions in SQL?

Stored procedures are routines that perform actions, while functions return a value and can be used in SQL expressions.

Can you give me an example of when to use a stored procedure?

Sure! Use a stored procedure for complex operations like batch processing or when you need to execute multiple SQL statements.

And when should I use a function instead?

Use a function when you need to compute a value that can be used in a SQL query, like calculating a total or average.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, stored procedures can be more efficient for complex tasks, while functions may be slower if used in large queries.