Execute Stored Procedure from a Function

Question

I know this has been asked to death, and I know why SQL Server doesn't let you do it.

But is there any workaround for this, other than using Extended Stored Procedures?

And please don't tell me to convert my function into a procedure...

So what I'm really asking is: Is there ANY way to run a Stored Procedure from within a Function?

EDIT:

Point proven: there is a way around it, but it's so WRONG I wouldn't do it. I'm gonna change it to a Stored Procedure and execute it elsewhere.

user_8222386 · Answer

I have figured out a solution to this problem. We can build a Function or View with "rendered" sql in a stored procedure that can then be executed as normal.

1.Create another sproc

CREATE PROCEDURE [dbo].[usp_FunctionBuilder]
DECLARE @outerSql VARCHAR(MAX)
DECLARE @innerSql VARCHAR(MAX)

2.Build the dynamic sql that you want to execute in your function (Example: you could use a loop and union, you could read in another sproc, use if statements and parameters for conditional sql, etc.)

SET @innerSql = 'your sql'

3.Wrap the @innerSql in a create function statement and define any external parameters that you have used in the @innerSql so they can be passed into the generated function.

SET @outerSql = 'CREATE FUNCTION [dbo].[fn_GeneratedFunction] ( @Param varchar(10))
RETURNS TABLE
AS
RETURN
' + @innerSql;


EXEC(@outerSql)

This is just pseudocode but the solution solves many problems such as linked server limitations, parameters, dynamic sql in function, dynamic server/database/table name, loops, etc.

You will need to tweak it to your needs, (Example: changing the return in the function)

Execute Stored Procedure from a Function

5 Answers