13. Stored Procedures and Functions

PostgreSQL supports server-side logic using functions and procedures.

Decision Guide

Need	Prefer	Notes
Use in SELECT / computed columns	Function	Functions return values and can be used in queries
Run multi-step admin workflows	Procedure (CALL)	Procedures can be used for operational tasks
Pure SQL transformation	SQL-language function	Often faster and simpler than PL/pgSQL
Complex control flow	PL/pgSQL	IF/LOOP/EXCEPTION handling

Lessons

• Stored Procedures Basics
• User-Defined Functions
• Control Flow and Error Handling

What's Next

• Continue to 14. Triggers