stored procedure
compound.compound. a set of computer instructions that is saved inside a database so you can use it again and again. It helps the database work faster because the computer doesn't have to learn the steps every time.
compound. a collection of SQL statements that is compiled and saved within a database management system. It allows for modular programming, improved performance through pre-compilation, and enhanced security by restricting direct table access.
The developer wrote a stored procedure to update customer records.
By using a stored procedure instead of sending raw queries, the application reduced network traffic and improved overall response times.
The database administrator implemented a complex stored procedure to automate the nightly reconciliation process, ensuring that all financial transactions were validated against the ledger before the markets opened.
A compound term formed from the past participle of the verb store and the noun procedure, reflecting the shift from external application logic to internal database residency.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Commonly used in the context of relational database management systems like SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.
Last updated July 22, 2026