CodeBlanks Logo Icon CodeBlanks

What is a function?

Learn routines that return a scalar value.

What is a function?

A function is SQL code that returns a value. Called inside a query.

CREATE FUNCTION get_tax(price DECIMAL)
RETURNS DECIMAL
LANGUAGE SQL
AS $$
  SELECT price * 0.18;
$$;

Function that computes tax.

The function get_tax is created. The expression price * 0.18 is evaluated and returned.

What is a function? — details

A function returns a value; a procedure does work. A function is used inside queries.

For example, get_tax(price) computes the tax for each row and is used like a column in SELECT name, get_tax(price) FROM products.

Practice What is a function?

Create a get_tax function: return 18% of the price.

Starter code

query.sql
-- create function
CREATE

Sample solution

query.sql
CREATE FUNCTION get_tax(price DECIMAL)
RETURNS DECIMAL
LANGUAGE SQL
AS $$
  SELECT price * 0.18;
$$;

Expected output

Function oluşturuldu

Questions and answers

Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.

1 What does a function return?

  • A table
  • A value Correct answer
  • A view
  • An index

Explanation: A function returns a value.

2 Add RETURNS

Question
CREATE FUNCTION get_tax(price DECIMAL)
____ DECIMAL
Answer
CREATE FUNCTION get_tax(price DECIMAL)
RETURNS DECIMAL

Explanation: RETURNS is the right answer.

3 What is a function: match the terms

Term Meaning
function function
RETURNS returns
procedure procedure
value result

All lessons in Advanced