Executing Stored Procedures and Functions from

PHP/MySQL

Before we discuss the procedure to run stored procedures and functions which are latest

features of MySQL 5, let’s learn the fundamental difference between them and the

advantages of both. I would recommend the programmers to first clear the concept of

subroutines and functions in PHP, as then only they can understand these new features

very well.

What’s the fundamental difference between stored procedures and

stored functions?

A stored procedure (as similar to subroutine) calls some code whereas a stored function

(as similar to function) calls some code and then showcases a result.

Key benefits of Stored Procedure:

Need to be developed once as all application can use same command

Step down the complexity level of the code

Network traffic decreases to a considerable level as to and fro from server is reduced,

which in turn decrease the CPU load

Command centralization makes repeated call easy

Executes in any environment

Key benefits of Stored Functions:

Runs at the server side, thus take advantage of its higher processing power and

access the data stored on the local drive of the server

Stored in MySQL database, so they are reusable and shareable

How to execute Stored Procedure?

In order to run a stored procedure in MySQL and PHP application, you need to use ‘Call

SQL statement’ as shown below:

$a = mysql_query('call StoredProc()');

var_dump($a);

Three parameters are used to write a call statement in MySQL: Input Parameters (IN),

Output Parameters (OUT), and Input and Output Parameters (INOUT).

IN Parameter: It passes a value into a procedure. The call statement (or procedure) may

alter the value, which might not be evident to the caller when it returns.

OUT Parameter: It returns a value to the caller from the procedure. Its initial value is

Null and final value is visible, as the procedure modifies the value in between.

INOUT Parameter: Initialized by the caller, the INOUT parameter changes the value

such that the final value of the procedure is visible when it returns.

How to execute stored function?

As similar to any other MySQL query, stored function in PHP application can be

executed using following syntax:

mysql_query('SELECT yourFunction()');

Note: You need not to specify the parameter as IN, OUT or INOUT, as all parameters

within a function are IN parameters.

Using stored procedure and functions in PHP application, the developers can greatly

reduce the complexity of the code and speed up the compiling process. These attributes

help you cut off the application from back-end changes in the database, thus there are

lesser chances of errors. Hire PHP developer India to benefit from the cutting-edge

features of MySQL 5 and PHP, that too without hurting your pockets.

Summary: Stored procedures and stored functions simplify the code, speed up the

development and shield the PHP application from the database modifications, meaning

the errors will be reduced. A PHP Development India Company stays abreast with the

updates and offer top-quality solutions at low prices.