A function in PL/SQL is a named code block that returns a value, similar to a procedure but with a mandatory return. Functions have three sections - a declaration section for variables, an executable section containing code to perform a task, and an optional exception handling section. The CREATE FUNCTION syntax identifies the function name, any parameters, the return data type, and the three sections within the BEGIN and END keywords. An example creates a factorial function that returns the factorial of a number passed as a parameter.

1. S.Rose
SAC college

2. Functions in oracle

3. Function
What is a Function in PL/SQL?
A function are named PL/SQL Block. It is similar to
a procedure. The major difference between a procedure and a
function is, a function must always return a value, but a
procedure may or may not return a value.
Structure of function
stored functions 3 sections
1.declaration section-declaration of variables and constants
2.executable section-pl/sql statements which perform specific
task
3.exception handling section-the error occuring in executable
part can be handled in this section

4. SYNTAX
CREATE [OR REPLACE] FUNCTION function_name
[ (parameter [,parameter]) ]
RETURN return_datatype
IS | AS
[declaration_section]
BEGIN
executable_section
[EXCEPTION
exception_section]
END [function_name];

5. Example
CREATE [OR REPLACE] FUNCTION fa(m number)
RETURN number
IS
f number:=1;
BEGIN
for I in 1….m
Loop
F:=f*I;
End loop;
return f;
End;