Sql server stored procedure return a table

Detailed explanation

Storing result sets: table variables and temporary tables

When intermediate storage is required, table variables are commonly used. Here's an example:

-- Hey, look! It's a table variable, storing more secrets than your diary.
DECLARE @Result TABLE (ID INT, Name NVARCHAR(100), Age INT)

-- Inserting our deep dark... I mean simple data into @Result
INSERT INTO @Result
SELECT ID, Name, Age FROM YourTable

-- Giving away the secrets...one row at a time
SELECT * FROM @Result
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In cases where you are dealing with larger entities, temporary tables might improve performance:

-- Here's a temporary table. It loves to have a bunch of data over for a short stay
CREATE TABLE #TempResult (ID INT, Name NVARCHAR(100), Age INT)

-- Inviting the data over to our temp table...
INSERT INTO #TempResult
SELECT ID, Name, Age FROM YourTable

-- Partyyyy! 
SELECT * FROM #TempResult

-- Cleaning up after the party. Always keep an eye on the size of your footprint
DROP TABLE #TempResult
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Encapsulating complex logic: functions

Encapsulating manipulation and selection logic into functions can dramatically improve reusability:

-- Function: because who wants to write the same thing over and over? Not coders.
CREATE FUNCTION GetTableData()
RETURNS TABLE
AS
RETURN (SELECT ID, Name, Age FROM YourTable)
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Error handling and performance considerations

Incorporate healthy error handling measures within your stored procedures. Trust me, it's cheaper than therapy.

BEGIN TRY
    -- Your stored procedure logic... go crazy!
END TRY
BEGIN CATCH
    -- Unless it goes wrong... then come here, we've got you
END CATCH
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When defining your query, it is important to specify the desired output structure:

CREATE PROCEDURE GetStructuredData
    @Output TABLE(ID INT, Name NVARCHAR(100), Age INT) READONLY
AS
BEGIN
    -- The logic that populates @Output goes here, confidential stuff
END
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Maintenance and optimization: best practices

Regularly check the existence of table types and stored procedures using the respective IF EXISTS() function. This is as important as keeping tabs on where your ex is.

Always remember to drop temporary table types and stored procedures after use. This isn't hoarders.

Development and testing: SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SSMS is your best friend in creating, debugging, and performance-tuning your stored procedures. It's like a Swiss Army knife for SQL Server stored procedures.