An Introduction to SQL Stored Procedures

SQL stored procedures simplify repetitive tasks and enhance database performance. This article introduces you to stored procedures, their creation, and usage.

SQL Stored Procedures

Here's a simple MySQL stored procedure example.

CREATE PROCEDURE getTop5Users()
BEGIN
    SELECT
        id,
        nickname,
        points
    FROM
        users
    ORDER BY
        points DESC
    LIMIT
        5;
END

Run the procedure with this query.

CALL getTop5Users();

This command fetches the top five users.

FAQ

What databases allow stored procedures?
Supported by MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, and others.

What is the difference between a stored procedure and a function?
Stored procedures execute complex tasks via specific commands, while functions can be used within SQL queries.

What are the four most important parts of a stored procedure?

• Name
• Input parameters
• Body
• Output parameters

How to execute a stored procedure in SQL Server?
Use EXECUTE or EXEC followed by the procedure name and parameters.

Conclusion

Stored procedures are crucial for efficient database management. For a detailed tutorial, check out the full article here Stored Procedures in SQL: A Complete Tutorial.