Re: A Question on the Basics of PL/SQL

"MacGregor, Ian A." wrote:
>
> Functions are used when when a "value" must be returned. The quotes are around
>value because the return type is not necessarily scalar. Under most circumstances a
>function only returns one value. I believe in sticking to that rule, although Oracle
>does not always:
>
> Here's a line from the package header for dbms_standard:
>
> function dictionary_obj_name_list (object_list out ora_name_list_t)
> return binary_integer;
>
> The function returns both a binary integer and a table of varchar2(64)'s.

 Ian,

    You might see this in a kinder light if you consider that the 'return value' is not a return value proper but a status (which probably happens to be the number of items in the list). It must have been coded by an unreformed C developer (C knows no procedure, remember, only 'void' functions).

-- 
Regards,

Stephane Faroult
Oriole Corporation
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