MySQL raises error 1313 (ER_SP_BADRETURN) when a RETURN statement appears outside a stored function.
MySQL Error 1313: ER_SP_BADRETURN occurs when a RETURN statement is placed in a stored procedure, trigger, or event; MySQL only permits RETURN inside a stored function. Remove RETURN, use LEAVE or OUT parameters, or rewrite the routine as a FUNCTION to resolve the issue.
RETURN is only allowed in a FUNCTION
MySQL error 1313, condition ER_SP_BADRETURN, appears when a RETURN statement is used inside a stored procedure, trigger, event, or anonymous block instead of a stored function. The parser enforces SQL/PSM rules that only functions may return a value.
The server aborts compilation with SQLSTATE 42000 and message "RETURN is only allowed in a FUNCTION", preventing the routine from being created or altered. Understanding why the RETURN keyword is restricted is vital to writing valid stored code.
Using the RETURN keyword in a CREATE PROCEDURE block is the primary trigger. Developers with backgrounds in other languages often expect RETURN to exit the routine, but MySQL mandates LEAVE or ITERATE for flow control and OUT parameters for returning data.
The error also occurs when a RETURN appears in triggers, events, or compound statements executed with CALL. Upgrades from other databases where procedures can return values can introduce this mistake when code is migrated unmodified.
Replace RETURN with the correct control statement. To exit a stored procedure early, wrap the code in a labeled block and use LEAVE label. To provide data to the caller, switch to OUT parameters or SELECT the result set.
If the logic truly belongs in a function, convert the routine using CREATE FUNCTION and supply a RETURNS clause and datatype. Validate the new routine by calling it from your application and checking the returned value.
Early-exit in procedure: Developers add RETURN to break execution after a validation check. Replace with LEAVE.
Value returning procedure: Legacy code expects CALL proc() to give a scalar. Redefine as FUNCTION or expose the value through an OUT parameter.
Trigger with RETURN: A RETURN is added to stop further actions. Use SIGNAL SQLSTATE '02000' or simply let the trigger finish.
Memorize that only stored functions may contain RETURN in MySQL. When sketching stored code, decide upfront whether you need a function (scalar return) or procedure (side effects).
Adopt a naming convention such as fn_ for functions and sp_ for procedures. Code reviews and static analysis in Galaxy's collaborative SQL editor can catch misplaced RETURN statements before deployment.
Error 1336: ER_SP_BADSTATEMENT - Raised when unsupported statements appear in a routine. Remove or replace the offending statement.
Error 1415: ER_SP_BADSQLSTATE - Triggered by invalid SQLSTATE values in SIGNAL. Provide a 5-character state starting with '01', '02', 'HY', or '42'.
The most frequent cause is writing RETURN in a stored procedure body instead of LEAVE or SELECT.
Ported code from SQL Server, Oracle, or PostgreSQL often expects procedures to return scalar values, leading to unintended RETURN statements.
Developers copy logic from a function into a trigger without removing the RETURN line, triggering ER_SP_BADRETURN.
RETURN placed in CREATE EVENT blocks produces the same error during event compilation.
Occurs when an illegal statement is used in a stored routine. Review allowed statements for procedures versus functions.
Appears when SIGNAL specifies an invalid SQLSTATE. Provide a five-character, vendor-assigned state.
Raised when a local variable is used in a context where it is not allowed, such as a LIMIT clause in certain MySQL versions.
No. MySQL procedures must use LEAVE or ITERATE for control flow; RETURN is reserved exclusively for stored functions.
Performance differences are negligible. Choose OUT parameters for single values and SELECT for recordsets or when chaining procedures in Galaxy.
Only if your application relies on CALL. Refactor the call site to SELECT fn_name(args) and test thoroughly.
Galaxy's linter highlights misplaced RETURN statements in real time and suggests LEAVE or OUT parameter alternatives before code is executed.
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