Function vs Stored Procedure in SQL Server

Question

I've been learning Functions and Stored Procedure for quite a while but I don't know why and when I should use a function or a stored procedure. They appear to be the same to me, which might be due to the fact that I am new to this.

Could someone perhaps explain why?

Answer 1

Functions are calculated values that cannot make lasting modifications to SQL Server's environment (i.e., no INSERT or UPDATE statements allowed).

If a function provides a scalar value, it may be used inline in SQL queries; if it returns a result set, it can be joined on.

Functions must return a value and cannot change the data they receive as parameters, as defined by computer science (the arguments). Functions can't modify anything and must have at least one parameter. They also have to return a result. Stored procedures don't need a parameter, may modify database objects, and don't have to return a result.

Stored procedures are used to connect SQL queries in a transaction and to communicate with the outside world. ADO.NET and other frameworks can't call a function directly, but they can call a stored procedure.

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