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To return rows from a YugabyteDB YSQL function, declare the named result columns with RETURNS TABLE(column_name type, ...). Use a LANGUAGE sql function when one query produces the result; choose LANGUAGE plpgsql when you need procedural logic such as branching or building rows step by step.

Define the returned row shape with RETURNS TABLE

A table function returns a set of rows, and its RETURNS TABLE clause gives those rows named columns and data types. YSQL’s CREATE FUNCTION syntax supports this form, and YugabyteDB documents both SQL and PL/pgSQL functions. See the YSQL CREATE FUNCTION reference and PL/pgSQL reference.

For example, a function that lists a customer’s items can declare its output like this:

CREATE FUNCTION app.items_for_customer(customer_id bigint)
RETURNS TABLE(item_id bigint, item_name text)
LANGUAGE sql
AS $body$
  SELECT i.id, i.name
  FROM app.items AS i
  WHERE i.customer_id = $1
  ORDER BY i.id;
$body$;

Here the output columns are item_id and item_name. The query’s selected columns must match the declared return shape in number and compatible types. For instance, YSQL’s SQL-function documentation notes that count(*) returns bigint; declaring that result as integer requires a cast or a matching declared type. Check the SQL subprogram reference for return-type details.

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Choose SQL or PL/pgSQL for the function body

Consideration SQL function PL/pgSQL function
Best fit A query naturally produces the output set. Branching, local state, loops, exception handling, or dynamic SQL is needed.
How rows are returned The query result is returned as a set. Use RETURN QUERY or emit rows with RETURN NEXT.
Implementation shape Usually a compact query-shaped body. A procedural body for more involved logic.
YSQL checks Match query output types to the declared columns. Check syntax support, name resolution, and output types on the target version.

These are differences in implementation style, not a performance comparison. The cited documentation does not establish that one language is faster for a given table function.

Use SQL when one query is enough

In a SQL-language function, write the query that produces the returned rows. This keeps straightforward filtering, joins, and ordering close to the logic used when running the query directly. Positional references such as $1 refer to function arguments.

Use PL/pgSQL when you need procedural control

The equivalent query-shaped PL/pgSQL function can append query results with RETURN QUERY:

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CREATE FUNCTION app.items_for_customer(customer_id bigint)
RETURNS TABLE(item_id bigint, item_name text)
LANGUAGE plpgsql
AS $body$
BEGIN
  RETURN QUERY
  SELECT i.id, i.name
  FROM app.items AS i
  WHERE i.customer_id = items_for_customer.customer_id
  ORDER BY i.id;
END;
$body$;

When constructing rows through procedural steps instead, assign values to the output-column variables and call RETURN NEXT for each row. Execution continues after RETURN NEXT, so the function can produce additional rows. Use RETURN QUERY when a query already produces the rows you want; use repeated RETURN NEXT when each output row is built individually. The YSQL PL/pgSQL documentation covers these return forms.

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The examples show patterns, not a guarantee for every YugabyteDB release or schema. Validate argument qualification and name resolution, confirm every selected expression matches its declared output type, and test the function on the version you will deploy.

Call the function as a row source

A set-returning function can be used in a query’s FROM clause. For example:

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SELECT item_id, item_name
FROM app.items_for_customer(42)
ORDER BY item_id;

The function call supplies rows with the declared column names, which can then be selected, filtered, or combined with other query logic. The final ordering above is explicit at the call site; callers that depend on row order should specify ORDER BY in their query.

Use a function for returned data and a procedure for an action

Use a function when the routine’s purpose is to return a value or set of rows that a query can consume. Use a procedure for an action-oriented routine invoked as a procedure rather than as a row source. YugabyteDB’s guidance recommends treating a function’s RETURNS clause as required and prefers RETURNS TABLE(...) for table functions over SETOF combined with output arguments. See YSQL user-defined subprograms and anonymous blocks.

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Check PostgreSQL compatibility against your YSQL release

YSQL is PostgreSQL-compatible, but that does not mean every PostgreSQL feature behaves the same way or is available in every YugabyteDB release. YugabyteDB describes compatibility differences and cautions against assuming a frictionless lift-and-shift migration. Review its compatibility FAQs and PostgreSQL compatibility information for the deployment you use.

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One documented migration limitation concerns %TYPE references to table-column types in routines. Where that limitation applies, use the concrete type and confirm the status against your target release; migration limitations can change. YugabyteDB’s PostgreSQL source migration notes describe this issue.

Before deploying a ported routine, check the target YSQL version’s support for its syntax and types, and test the function with the actual schema, role, and arguments it will use. Do not infer support solely from the fact that the same definition works in PostgreSQL.

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Set function privileges and security deliberately

Functions run with invoker privileges by default in PostgreSQL. Prefer that behavior unless the function genuinely needs elevated privileges. A SECURITY DEFINER function runs with the owner’s privileges, so a mistake in its access path or permissions can expose more than intended. PostgreSQL recommends setting a safe search_path for such functions: include only trusted schemas and put pg_temp last. Consult PostgreSQL’s CREATE FUNCTION documentation and SQL functions documentation.

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YugabyteDB also warns that functions receive EXECUTE permission for PUBLIC by default and recommends revoking it when that access is not appropriate. A controlled creation-and-grant sequence is:

CREATE FUNCTION app.items_for_customer(customer_id bigint)
RETURNS TABLE(item_id bigint, item_name text)
LANGUAGE sql
AS $body$
  SELECT i.id, i.name
  FROM app.items AS i
  WHERE i.customer_id = $1;
$body$;

REVOKE EXECUTE ON FUNCTION app.items_for_customer(bigint) FROM PUBLIC;
GRANT EXECUTE ON FUNCTION app.items_for_customer(bigint) TO app_reader;

Adjust the role and function signature to your deployment. Also verify the creating user’s authority, ownership, schema usage, and the intended callers’ privileges. YugabyteDB’s CREATE FUNCTION guide documents function privileges and the default grant.

Use bound parameters for dynamic SQL

If procedural logic must assemble a query dynamically, bind data values rather than concatenating them into the SQL text. YSQL’s PL/pgSQL examples use EXECUTE ... USING for parameter values. Dynamic identifiers, such as schema or table names, cannot be treated as ordinary value parameters; validate and safely quote them before including them in a statement. This distinction helps avoid turning user-controlled values into executable SQL.

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