SQL Server Stored Procedures
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Other.
SQL Server Stored Procedures
Overview
Stored procedures are SQL statements stored as database objects in SQL Server. They can be executed interactively via the Query Analyzer or by other stored procedures. With parameters for flexibility, stored procedures can return both result sets and status codes.
Benefits
Stored procedures offer several advantages:
- Access Control: Restrict access to underlying tables, enhancing security in networked environments.
- Modularity: Facilitate modular programming by allowing reusable code with callable subroutines.
- Performance: Execute faster due to pre-compilation.
- Data Integrity: Help maintain table integrity through enforced data procedures.
- Efficiency: Reduce programming errors and network traffic by avoiding ad hoc queries.
Drawbacks
Despite their benefits, stored procedures have some limitations:
- Portability: They're specific to SQL Server, which can limit code portability.
- Flexibility: They are less versatile compared to front-end interface languages.
- Development Environment: Historically less powerful but improved with Visual Studio .NET integration.
Creating Stored Procedures
Stored procedures can be created using:
1. Query Analyzer: Utilize raw SQL language, templates, or copy-paste from the GUI.
2. Enterprise Manager: Right-click the Stored Procedures section and select "New."
Basic Syntax
```sql
CREATE PROC[EDURE] procedure_name [; number]
[ { @parameter data_type } [ VARYING ] [ = default ] [ OUTPUT ] ]
[ , ... n ]
[ WITH { RECOMPILE | ENCRYPTION | RECOMPILE, ENCRYPTION } ]
[ FOR REPLICATION ]
AS sql_statement [ ... n ]
```
Executing Stored Procedures
Invoke a stored procedure by its name, supplying any required parameters. If it's not the first command in a batch, precede it with `EXEC`. SQL Server uses keywords to interpret statements in batch mode.
Dependencies and Management
- Dependency Check: Use `sp_depends (table name|procedure name)` to find dependencies.
- Enterprise Manager: Right-click the object, choose "Display Dependencies" under the All Tasks menu.
Viewing and Editing
Stored procedures can be accessed and edited via:
- Enterprise Manager: Right-click and select Properties.
- Querying System Table: Use `syscomments`.
- System Procedure: Employ `sp_helptext` followed by the procedure name.
Editing with ALTER
To modify a stored procedure, use the `ALTER PROCEDURE` command:
```sql
ALTER PROC[EDURE] procedure_name [; number]
[ { @parameter data_type } [ VARYING ] [ = default ] [ OUTPUT ] ]
[ , ... n ]
[ WITH { RECOMPILE | ENCRYPTION | RECOMPILE, ENCRYPTION } ]
[ FOR REPLICATION ]
AS
sql_statement [ ... n ]
```
Debugging
Debug stored procedures in Query Analyzer by opening the object browser, right-clicking the procedure, and selecting "Debug."
By understanding and effectively using stored procedures in SQL Server, you can enhance the performance, security, and manageability of your database applications.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: SQL Server Stored Procedures.
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