What is a stored procedure in a database?
a) A set of SQL statements that can be executed as a single unit
b) A process for backing up a database
c) A trigger that runs on every query execution
d) A method of indexing data
Answer:
a) A set of SQL statements that can be executed as a single unit
Explanation:
A stored procedure is a precompiled collection of one or more SQL statements stored in the database. It can be executed as a single unit and is often used to encapsulate complex logic that needs to be reused multiple times.
Stored procedures improve performance by reducing the need to send multiple SQL statements across the network. They also enhance security by allowing database administrators to restrict direct access to the data, providing controlled access via the procedure.
Stored procedures can accept parameters and return values, making them highly flexible for use in applications that interact with the database.