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Difference between Trigger and Procedure in DBMS - Testbook.com

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023

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Triggers and Procedures both play a crucial role in performing specific tasks within a database table. However, they are quite different in their functionality. A trigger is invoked implicitly when a triggering event such as DELETE, INSERT, or UPDATE takes place within a TABLE. On the other hand, a procedure is explicitly called by an application or user using commands like EXECUTE or the procedure_name. Let's dive deeper into these differences.

Defining Trigger in DBMS
In the realm of DBMS, a trigger is a specialized procedure that only runs when a triggering event, such as DELETE, UPDATE, or INSERT, takes place.

Understanding Procedure in DBMS
A procedure in DBMS refers to the amalgamation of various SQL statements constructed to perform a specific task. Procedures aid in reusing codes, thereby saving time spent on generating additional lines of code.

Contrasting Trigger and Procedure in DBMS
Let's delve into the differences between Triggers and Procedures in DBMS.

Parameters Trigger Procedure

Invocation Trigger is invoked implicitly when a triggering event occurs within a TABLE. Procedure is explicitly called by an application or user using commands.

Internal Invocation Triggers can only be nested within a table. It's not possible to define a trigger within another trigger. Procedures can be conveniently called or defined within another procedure.

Syntax A trigger in a database is defined by the syntax: CREATE TRIGGER TRIGGER_NAME A procedure in a database is defined by the syntax: CREATE PROCEDURE PROCEDURE_NAME

Transaction Statements Transaction statements like SAVEPOINT, ROLLBACK, COMMIT, are not permitted in triggers. All transaction statements like ROLLBACK and COMMIT are permitted in procedures.

Scheduling Triggers cannot be scheduled. A job can be scheduled to execute in the form of a stored procedure.

Parameter Inputs Stored parameters cannot be inputted by a trigger. Stored procedures can accept parameters as inputs.

Execution Triggers execute automatically when certain commands are performed on a table. The EXEC command is used to execute a procedure as it is not automatic.

Uses and Primary Function Triggers are mainly used to maintain referential integrity and record activities performed on a table. Procedures are used to perform tasks as specified by the users.

Returning of Values Triggers do not return values and cannot accept values as input parameters. Procedures can return 0 to n values and can accept values as parameters.

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Further Reading:

Introduction to DBMS

Difference between Generalization and Specialization in DBMS

Difference between Schema and Instance in DBMS

Difference between 3NF and BCNF in DBMS

Difference between Trigger and Procedure in DBMS

Difference between DBMS and RDBMS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trigger in DBMS?

The trigger is a term that refers to a special type of procedure that only gets executed when some triggering event occurs, like DELETE, UPDATE, INSERT, etc.

What is Procedure in DBMS?

The procedure is a term that refers to the combination of various SQL statements that are written so as to perform some specific task. A procedure helps users to reuse codes, and thus, saves a lot of time in writing or generating extra lines of codes.

How is a trigger invoked in DBMS?

We implicitly invoke a trigger whenever a triggering event like DELETE, INSERT, UPDATE, etc., occurs inside any TABLE.

How is a procedure invoked in DBMS?

We explicitly call a procedure by an application/individual user using various statements or commands like EXECUTE or procedure_name.

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Parameters	Trigger	Procedure
Invocation	Trigger is invoked implicitly when a triggering event occurs within a TABLE.	Procedure is explicitly called by an application or user using commands.
Internal Invocation	Triggers can only be nested within a table. It's not possible to define a trigger within another trigger.	Procedures can be conveniently called or defined within another procedure.
Syntax	A trigger in a database is defined by the syntax: CREATE TRIGGER TRIGGER_NAME	A procedure in a database is defined by the syntax: CREATE PROCEDURE PROCEDURE_NAME
Transaction Statements	Transaction statements like SAVEPOINT, ROLLBACK, COMMIT, are not permitted in triggers.	All transaction statements like ROLLBACK and COMMIT are permitted in procedures.
Scheduling	Triggers cannot be scheduled.	A job can be scheduled to execute in the form of a stored procedure.
Parameter Inputs	Stored parameters cannot be inputted by a trigger.	Stored procedures can accept parameters as inputs.
Execution	Triggers execute automatically when certain commands are performed on a table.	The EXEC command is used to execute a procedure as it is not automatic.
Uses and Primary Function	Triggers are mainly used to maintain referential integrity and record activities performed on a table.	Procedures are used to perform tasks as specified by the users.
Returning of Values	Triggers do not return values and cannot accept values as input parameters.	Procedures can return 0 to n values and can accept values as parameters.