A SQL stored procedure is a pre-compiled set of SQL statements stored on the database server that can be executed repeatedly with optional parameters.
A SQL stored procedure bundles multiple SQL commands into a reusable, server-side program, boosting performance, security, and maintainability.
A SQL stored procedure is a named, pre-compiled block of SQL logic saved in the database catalog. You call it with a single EXEC statement, optionally passing parameters, and the database executes the contained operations atomically.
When you create a procedure, the database parses and optimizes the SQL once, storing the execution plan. Each subsequent call reuses that plan, reducing compile overhead and network round-trips.
Use stored procedures for repetitive business logic, complex joins, data validations, or batch updates that need to run close to the data for speed and security.
Key advantages include performance gains from caching, reduced bandwidth by sending parameters not raw SQL, centralized business rules, granular permission control, and easier maintenance.
Create one with a CREATE PROCEDURE statement followed by parameter definitions and a BEGIN…END block containing SQL commands. Use ALTER PROCEDURE to update logic later.
CREATE PROCEDURE GetSalesByRegion @Region NVARCHAR(50)
AS
BEGIN
SELECT OrderID, TotalAmount
FROM Sales
WHERE Region = @Region;
END;
Run EXEC or CALL with parameter values. Example: EXEC GetSalesByRegion @Region = 'West'; The database returns the result set defined inside the procedure.
Use ALTER PROCEDURE to change logic without losing permissions. Use DROP PROCEDURE safely after confirming dependencies with sys.sql_dependencies or INFORMATION_SCHEMA views.
Follow naming conventions like schema.procTask, use SET NOCOUNT ON to reduce chatty messages, validate parameters, and keep transactions short to prevent locking.
Create selective indexes on filter columns, avoid unnecessary cursors, pass strongly-typed parameters, and use OPTION (RECOMPILE) only when plans become skewed.
Galaxy’s AI Copilot autocompletes CREATE/ALTER statements, flags unused parameters, and lets you share endorsed procedures in Collections, eliminating copy-paste chaos.
Stored procedures push logic to the database engine, reducing latency and compile time. This shift speeds up applications, secures data access by limiting ad-hoc queries, and centralizes business rules so multiple services remain consistent. Stored procedures also enable fine-grained permissions. Grant EXECUTE while denying direct table access to protect sensitive columns, a critical compliance tactic for data engineers.
Yes. Because the execution plan is cached, subsequent executions skip parsing and optimization, saving CPU cycles and round-trips.
Galaxy surfaces messages, PRINT output, and errors inline, making step-through debugging easier than in psql or sqlcmd.
Export CREATE or ALTER scripts into your Git repository. Galaxy’s Git integration auto-syncs scripts with branches.
Absolutely. Wrap statements in BEGIN TRAN...COMMIT/ROLLBACK to ensure atomicity, or rely on implicit transactions when appropriate.
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