7.3 Stored Functions
A stored function is executable code stored in the database metadata for execution on the server. A stored function can be called by other stored functions (including itself), procedures, triggers and client applications. A function that calls itself is known as recursive.
Unlike stored procedures, stored functions always return one scalar value. To return a value from a stored function, use the RETURN
statement, which immediately terminates the function.
7.3.1 Creating a Stored Function
For information about creating stored functions, see CREATE FUNCTION in Chapter Data Definition (DDL) Statements.
7.3.2 Modifying a Stored Function
For information about modifying stored functions, see ALTER FUNCTION, CREATE OR ALTER FUNCTION, RECREATE FUNCTION, in Chapter Data Definition (DDL) Statements.
7.3.3 Deleting a Stored Function
For information about deleting stored procedures, see DROP FUNCTION in Chapter Data Definition (DDL) Statements.