In relational database systems, what is a stored procedure and what are the main advantages and disadvantages of using stored procedures in an application?

Introduction / Context:
Stored procedures are a powerful feature of relational database management systems such as Oracle, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL. Instead of sending raw SQL statements from the application to the database every time, developers can define procedures that reside inside the database and execute complex logic on demand. This question asks for a definition of stored procedures and a balanced view of their main advantages and disadvantages in real world applications.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The database engine can store and execute procedural code along with SQL statements.
• Applications communicate with the database over a network, which may introduce latency.
• Security, performance, and maintainability are important design goals.
• Both database centric and application centric architectures are possible.

Concept / Approach:
A stored procedure is a named, precompiled block of SQL and procedural code stored in the database catalog. Clients call the procedure with parameters rather than sending raw SQL text each time. Advantages include improved performance, because the execution plan can be cached, and reduced network traffic, since less text needs to be transmitted. Stored procedures can encapsulate business logic close to the data, centralising rules and improving security by granting execute permissions instead of direct table access. Disadvantages include tighter coupling to a specific database vendor, potential duplication of business logic between application and database, and the need for specialised skills to maintain procedural code inside the database.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define a stored procedure as a precompiled set of SQL statements and procedural constructs stored in the database server.Step 2: Identify performance benefits such as plan reuse and reduced parsing overhead when procedures are called repeatedly.Step 3: Note that placing logic in stored procedures can reduce network traffic by performing complex operations within the database rather than transferring large intermediate results to the application.Step 4: Recognise security benefits, since users can be granted permission to execute procedures without direct access to underlying tables.Step 5: Consider disadvantages such as vendor specific procedural languages, difficulties in version control, and challenges coordinating changes between database code and application code.

Verification / Alternative check:
Database documentation for systems like SQL Server describes stored procedures, their creation using CREATE PROCEDURE statements, and their execution with EXEC commands. Benchmarks often show that repeated calls to stored procedures incur less parsing overhead than ad hoc SQL. Security guides recommend using stored procedures to implement a controlled data access layer. At the same time, architecture discussions warn about overloading the database with excessive business logic, which can make migration and scaling harder, confirming both the advantages and trade offs described.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B describes a temporary text file on the client, which does not match the idea of a database stored procedure executed on the server. Option C suggests a separate hardware device, which is not how procedures are stored; they reside in database catalogs on the same server. Option D reduces stored procedures to comments, which have no effect on execution and are not executable logic. These alternatives do not reflect standard database terminology or practice.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is pushing all business logic into stored procedures while neglecting application design, leading to a database that is difficult to refactor or scale horizontally. Another mistake is failing to maintain proper source control and documentation for stored procedure code, making changes risky. Good practice is to use stored procedures strategically for performance critical operations, security boundaries, and data intensive logic while keeping overall architecture modular. Understanding both benefits and drawbacks helps teams choose the right balance for their applications.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: A precompiled set of SQL statements stored in the database, which can improve performance, encapsulate business logic, and enhance security but may increase database coupling and maintenance effort