How to SELECT FROM stored procedure

Richer data querying with OPENROWSET and OPENQUERY

If you're a daredevil, OPENROWSET lets you inline execute the stored procedure and query data. Watch out for sharks, though:

SELECT * 
FROM OPENROWSET('SQLNCLI', 'Server=YourServerName;Trusted_Connection=yes;',
                'EXEC MyDatabase.dbo.MyStoredProcedure') AS ResultSet;  /* If roundtrip's not your thing */
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OPENQUERY works with remote servers: useful when your treasure maps span across different islands, I mean, a linked server setup:

SELECT * 
FROM OPENQUERY([YOURSERVERNAME], 'EXEC MyDatabase.dbo.MyStoredProcedure');  /* You can stay on your hammock and query distant lands */
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These methods let you go from landlubber to acting like you got SQL seas under your feet, querying stored procedure results as if they're good ol' tables. Just beware, there be monsters: security considerations and additional configurations.

Stored procedure reincarnation as function or view

Sometimes, changing a stored procedure to a view or even a function feels like a breeze under the sails:

CREATE VIEW MyView
AS
EXEC MyStoredProcedure;  /* Views, the portholes to see your data */
-- Try your hand at this:
SELECT * FROM MyView;
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While views give you a clear lens to query, there's a catch: they only work with stored procedures donning no parameters. But fear not, a function defined by you can break these shackles:

CREATE FUNCTION dbo.GetResultsAsTable()
RETURNS @ResultTable TABLE (Col1 DataType, Col2 DataType, ...)
AS
BEGIN
    INSERT INTO @ResultTable
    EXEC MyStoredProcedure;   /* Function hoardin' the SP booty */
    RETURN;
END;
-- Tables ahoy:
SELECT * FROM dbo.GetResultsAsTable();  /* Yo-ho, yo-ho, an SQL life for me */
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Now, this function still does the heavy lifting, letting your SELECT queries spring into action without even breaking a sweat.

Minimalistic handling with table variables

Ye ol' table variables be your friend when ye want to keep your stored procedure as untouched as a hidden treasure chest:

DECLARE @ResultVar TABLE(Col1 DataType, Col2 DataType, ...);  /* Our very own treasure map */
INSERT INTO @ResultVar EXEC MyStoredProcedure;  /* X marks the spot. Fetch the treasure */
-- Peek into the booty:
SELECT * FROM @ResultVar WHERE Col1 = 'Criteria';  /* Savvy? */
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Now matey, feel free to use filters and sorting, and call upon fellas like TOP or ROW_NUMBER on your table variable. No need to call Davey Jones on your stored procedure.

Optimizing SQL practices: in summary

Thinking of stored procedure outputs as a Lego box of datasets, you can construct palaces of SQL operations that supercharge data analysis. Use TOP or ROW_NUMBER() as your cornerstone:

-- Stressing over a tsunami of results? Behold your life-saver, TOP:
SELECT TOP 10 * FROM #TempResults; /* Less is more */
-- Or, use ROW_NUMBER to neatly number your findings:
SELECT ROW_NUMBER() OVER (ORDER BY Col1) AS RowNum, * FROM #TempResults; /* "Line 'em up!" */
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Remember, table variables hoist the Jolly Roger for their scope protection and resource friendliness. They are your loyal shipmates, ready to improve your voyage's performance.

Yarr! Chart your SQL waters using quality guides and how-to's, even from the buccaneers at Microsoft. You'll strike gold with insights into working with SQL, stored procedures, and their precious loot—results!