Procedure vs. Function: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A Procedure is a set of instructions in programming that performs a specific task but doesn’t return a value, whereas a Function also performs a task but returns a value.
Key Differences
A Procedure in programming is a set of coded instructions that carries out a specific task within a program. It is executed when called but does not return a value to the calling environment. In contrast, a Function not only performs a specific task but also returns a value, making it integral for calculations and processing data within a program.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Procedures are used to execute code that affects the state of the program or performs an operation, like updating a database or printing a message. Functions, however, are generally used to compute a result based on input parameters, returning this result to the place in the code where they were called.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
In terms of usage, Procedures often modify the state of the program or its environment, reflecting changes without direct feedback to the calling code. Functions, on the other hand, typically take inputs, process them, and return a specific output without altering the program’s state directly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
From a syntax perspective, Procedures in many programming languages do not require a return statement, as their purpose is not to produce a value. Functions must include a return statement, as they are designed to pass a value back to the caller.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Regarding applicability, Procedures are suitable for tasks where an action is required but no information needs to be sent back. Functions are more appropriate in scenarios where a calculation is necessary, and the result is needed for further operations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Procedure and Function Definitions
Procedure
Executes actions within a program's environment.
The Procedure for updating records was executed nightly.
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Dec 02, 2023
Function
A programming construct that returns a value upon execution.
The Function to calculate interest rates was highly efficient.
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Dec 02, 2023
Procedure
A subroutine in programming with a specific operational role.
A Procedure for data backup is crucial for system maintenance.
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Dec 02, 2023
Function
Incorporates a return statement to send back a result.
His Function returned the sum of two numbers.
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Dec 02, 2023
Procedure
A set of instructions in a program that performs a task.
The login Procedure checks user credentials.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Function
Essential for tasks requiring a result for further use.
A Function to determine user eligibility was integrated into the application.
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Dec 02, 2023
Procedure
Used for tasks where returning data is not necessary.
He wrote a Procedure to log errors in the system.
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Dec 02, 2023
Function
A modular code segment that can be reused for different inputs.
The sorting Function was versatile for various data types.
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Dec 02, 2023
Procedure
A code block that executes operations without returning a value.
A Procedure to clear the screen was implemented.
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Dec 02, 2023
Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
(Biology) The physiological activity of an organ or body part
The heart's function is to pump blood.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
An official ceremony or a formal social occasion
Disliked attending receptions and other company functions.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
Something closely related to another thing and dependent on it for its existence, value, or significance
Growth is a function of nutrition.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A variable so related to another that for each value assumed by one there is a value determined for the other.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A rule of correspondence between two sets such that there is exactly one element in the second set assigned to each element in the first set. Also called mapping.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.
Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
To deal with or overcome the challenges of everyday life
For weeks after his friend's funeral he simply could not function.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
Something which is dependent on or stems from another thing; a result or concomitant.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A relation where one thing is dependent on another for its existence, value, or significance.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
(mathematics) A relation in which each element of the domain is associated with exactly one element of the codomain. Category:en:Functions
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
(computing) A routine that receives zero or more arguments and may return a result.
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Dec 01, 2023
Procedure
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
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Procedure
A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;
The operations in building a house
Certain machine tool operations
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Function
(anthropology) The role of a social practice in the continued existence of the group.
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Function
The act of executing or performing any duty, office, or calling; performance.
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Function
The appropriate action of any special organ or part of an animal or vegetable organism; as, the function of the heart or the limbs; the function of leaves, sap, roots, etc.; life is the sum of the functions of the various organs and parts of the body.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
The natural or assigned action of any power or faculty, as of the soul, or of the intellect; the exertion of an energy of some determinate kind.
As the mind opens, and its functions spread.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
The course of action which peculiarly pertains to any public officer in church or state; the activity appropriate to any business or profession.
Tradesmen . . . going about their functions.
The malady which made him incapable of performing hisregal functions.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A quantity so connected with another quantity, that if any alteration be made in the latter there will be a consequent alteration in the former. Each quantity is said to be a function of the other. Thus, the circumference of a circle is a function of the diameter. If x be a symbol to which different numerical values can be assigned, such expressions as x2, 3x, Log. x, and Sin. x, are all functions of x.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A religious ceremony, esp. one particularly impressive and elaborate.
Every solemn function' performed with the requirements of the liturgy.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A public or social ceremony or gathering; a festivity or entertainment, esp. one somewhat formal.
This function, which is our chief social event.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
To execute or perform a function; to transact one's regular or appointed business.
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set
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Function
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
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Function
The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group;
The function of a teacher
The government must do its part
Play its role
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Function
A relation such that one thing is dependent on another;
Height is a function of age
Price is a function of supply and demand
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A formal or official social gathering or ceremony;
It was a black-tie function
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
A vaguely specified social event;
The party was quite an affair
An occasion arranged to honor the president
A seemingly endless round of social functions
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Function
Perform as expected when applied;
The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in
Does this old car still run well?
This old radio doesn't work anymore
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
Serve a purpose, role, or function;
The tree stump serves as a table
The female students served as a control group
This table would serve very well
His freedom served him well
The table functions as a desk
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Dec 01, 2023
Function
Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function;
His wife officiated as his private secretary
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Function
Used for computations and processing inputs to provide outputs.
She used a Function to convert temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
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Dec 02, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a Procedure in programming?
A Procedure is a set of instructions that performs a task but doesn’t return a value.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Do Procedures affect the state of a program?
Yes, they often change the state or perform an action.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can a Procedure return a value?
No, Procedures are not designed to return values.
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Dec 15, 2023
Is a Function always used for calculations?
Primarily, but it can also perform other tasks and return a result.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can Functions be used without returning a value?
Technically yes, but it defies the typical purpose of a Function.
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Dec 15, 2023
How do I choose between a Procedure and a Function?
Use a Procedure for actions and a Function for calculations needing a return value.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can a Function call a Procedure?
Yes, a Function can call a Procedure within its code.
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Dec 15, 2023
Do Functions have input parameters?
Yes, Functions often take inputs to process and return a result.
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Dec 15, 2023
What is a Function in programming?
A Function performs a task and returns a value.
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Dec 15, 2023
Is a Procedure faster than a Function?
Not necessarily; speed depends on the specific task and implementation.
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Dec 15, 2023
Are Procedures and Functions similar?
They are similar in structure but differ in purpose and output.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can Procedures be overloaded like Functions?
This depends on the programming language used.
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Dec 15, 2023
How are Procedures and Functions tested?
Through unit testing and debugging within their usage context.
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Dec 15, 2023
Is it mandatory to use Functions in a program?
Not mandatory, but they are useful for efficient and modular coding.
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Dec 15, 2023
Are Procedures used in object-oriented programming?
Yes, but they might be referred to as methods depending on the language.
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Dec 15, 2023
Do all programming languages support Procedures and Functions?
Most do, but the implementation and syntax can vary.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can a Procedure modify global variables?
Yes, Procedures can modify global variables or states.
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Dec 15, 2023
Are Functions limited to mathematical operations?
No, they can perform a variety of tasks and return various data types.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can Functions be recursive?
Yes, Functions can call themselves recursively.
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Can Functions be used to manipulate data structures?
Yes, Functions can be designed to manipulate and return data structures.
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Dec 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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