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Procedure vs. Function: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Procedure vs. Function

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comparison Chart

Return Value

Does not return a value
Returns a value
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Purpose

Performs a task, modifies state
Performs a task, computes a result
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Output

No direct output
Provides a specific output
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Syntax

No return statement required
Requires a return statement
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Use Case

Actions without feedback
Calculations with results needed
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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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Function

A programming construct that returns a value upon execution.
The Function to calculate interest rates was highly efficient.
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Procedure

A subroutine in programming with a specific operational role.
A Procedure for data backup is crucial for system maintenance.
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Function

Incorporates a return statement to send back a result.
His Function returned the sum of two numbers.
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Procedure

A set of instructions in a program that performs a task.
The login Procedure checks user credentials.
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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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Procedure

Used for tasks where returning data is not necessary.
He wrote a Procedure to log errors in the system.
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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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Procedure

A code block that executes operations without returning a value.
A Procedure to clear the screen was implemented.
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Function

A person's role or occupation
In my function as chief editor.
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Procedure

A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
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Function

(Biology) The physiological activity of an organ or body part
The heart's function is to pump blood.
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Procedure

A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
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Function

(Computers) A procedure within an application.
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Procedure

(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
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Function

An official ceremony or a formal social occasion
Disliked attending receptions and other company functions.
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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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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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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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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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Procedure

A particular method for performing a task.
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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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Procedure

A series of small tasks or steps taken to accomplish an end.
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Function

To have or perform a function; serve
Functioned as ambassador.
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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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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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Procedure

The steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
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Function

What something does or is used for.
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Procedure

(obsolete) That which results; issue; product.
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Function

A professional or official position.
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Procedure

(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
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Function

An official or social occasion.
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Procedure

(medicine) A surgical operation.
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Function

Something which is dependent on or stems from another thing; a result or concomitant.
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Procedure

The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
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Function

A relation where one thing is dependent on another for its existence, value, or significance.
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Procedure

A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
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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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Procedure

That which results; issue; product.
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Function

(computing) A routine that receives zero or more arguments and may return a result.
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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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Function

(biology) The physiological activity of an organ or body part.
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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

(chemistry) The characteristic behavior of a chemical compound.
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Procedure

A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
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Function

(anthropology) The role of a social practice in the continued existence of the group.
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Procedure

A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
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Function

(intransitive) To have a function.
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Function

(intransitive) To carry out a function; to be in action.
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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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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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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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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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Function

A religious ceremony, esp. one particularly impressive and elaborate.
Every solemn function' performed with the requirements of the liturgy.
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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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Function

To execute or perform a function; to transact one's regular or appointed business.
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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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Function

A formal or official social gathering or ceremony;
It was a black-tie function
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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

A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
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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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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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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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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.
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Do Procedures affect the state of a program?

Yes, they often change the state or perform an action.
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Can a Procedure return a value?

No, Procedures are not designed to return values.
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Is a Function always used for calculations?

Primarily, but it can also perform other tasks and return a result.
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Can Functions be used without returning a value?

Technically yes, but it defies the typical purpose of a Function.
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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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Can a Function call a Procedure?

Yes, a Function can call a Procedure within its code.
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Do Functions have input parameters?

Yes, Functions often take inputs to process and return a result.
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What is a Function in programming?

A Function performs a task and returns a value.
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Is a Procedure faster than a Function?

Not necessarily; speed depends on the specific task and implementation.
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Are Procedures and Functions similar?

They are similar in structure but differ in purpose and output.
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Can Procedures be overloaded like Functions?

This depends on the programming language used.
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How are Procedures and Functions tested?

Through unit testing and debugging within their usage context.
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Is it mandatory to use Functions in a program?

Not mandatory, but they are useful for efficient and modular coding.
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Are Procedures used in object-oriented programming?

Yes, but they might be referred to as methods depending on the language.
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Do all programming languages support Procedures and Functions?

Most do, but the implementation and syntax can vary.
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Can a Procedure modify global variables?

Yes, Procedures can modify global variables or states.
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Are Functions limited to mathematical operations?

No, they can perform a variety of tasks and return various data types.
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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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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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