RETURN

Return a value.

RETURN

RETURN sends a value back from a function. Written at the end of the body.

CREATE FUNCTION square(n INT)
RETURNS INT
LANGUAGE SQL
AS $$
  SELECT n * n;
$$;

This query returns the square of n.

The function square is created. The expression n * n is evaluated and returned.

RETURN — details

In SQL functions the last SELECT is returned automatically. PL/pgSQL uses RETURN.

LANGUAGE SQL functions are short because they are a single query; if you need IF or loops you write a PL/pgSQL function and return the value with RETURN.

Exercise RETURN

Create a square function: return SELECT n * n.

Show example solution

CREATE FUNCTION square(n INT)
RETURNS INT
LANGUAGE SQL
AS $$
  SELECT n * n;
$$;

Test yourself

RETURN: match the terms

RETURN

return
last SELECT

automatic
body

AS
value

result
Add n * n
```
  SELECT ____
```
Show answer
```
  SELECT n * n
```
What does an SQL function return?
- The first SELECT
- RETURN
- None
- The last SELECT
Show answer

The last SELECT — An SQL function returns the last SELECT.

Next lesson: Calling a function

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