What is a stored procedure?
-
A process for data export/import.
-
A set of SQL statements stored and executed as a single entity.
-
A process to convert tables.
-
Data stored in a database.
A stored procedure is a precompiled collection of one or more SQL statements stored in the database. It can be executed as a single unit by calling its name, which improves code reusability, reduces network traffic, and enhances security by controlling data access through defined procedures.
A stored procedure is a precompiled, named collection of one or more SQL statements (and often procedural logic) stored in the database and invoked as a single callable unit, e.g., via CALL or EXEC. This lets applications execute complex logic server-side with one call instead of sending multiple separate SQL statements, improving performance and encapsulation. The other options describe unrelated concepts: data export/import processes, table conversion utilities, and generic 'data stored in a database' (which just describes table data, not procedural code) are all distinct from the definition of a stored procedure.