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Functions

A function in MySQL is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task and returns a value. It allows users to encapsulate logic, modularize code, and perform complex calculations or data manipulations.

Advantages of Using Functions:

Benefits Description
Reusability Functions can be reused multiple times in different parts of a SQL statement or query, reducing code duplication and promoting code modularity and maintainability.
Encapsulation Functions encapsulate logic and calculations, making it easier to understand and manage complex operations within the database.
Performance Functions can improve query performance by reducing the amount of data transferred between the database server and the client application.
Customization Functions allow users to create custom data transformations and calculations tailored to specific business requirements, enhancing the flexibility of the database.

Disadvantages of Using Functions:

Disadvantages Description
Performance Functions may introduce performance overhead, particularly if they involve complex computations or require access to large datasets.
Maintenance Functions require maintenance to keep them synchronized with changes to the underlying data model or business logic. Changes may impact the behavior of dependent queries.
Portability Functions written in MySQL may not be compatible with other database systems, limiting the portability of applications and databases.
Security Improperly designed or implemented functions may pose security risks, such as SQL injection vulnerabilities or unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Create function

mysql> CREATE FUNCTION calculate_discount (total_amount DECIMAL(10, 2)) RETURNS DECIMAL(10, 2)
    -> BEGIN
    ->     DECLARE discount DECIMAL(10, 2);
    ->     IF total_amount > 100 THEN
    ->         SET discount = total_amount * 0.1;
    ->     ELSE
    ->         SET discount = 0;
    ->     END IF;
    ->     RETURN discount;
    -> END;

Call function

mysql> SELECT calculate_discount(120);

Drop function

mysql> DROP FUNCTION IF EXISTS calculate_discount;

Advanced SQL features

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Last update: 2024-05-03