In this article, we will discuss in detail SQL Server stored procedure and triggers from tip to toe. As well as the comparison between SQL Server stored procedure vs trigger in detail.
SQL Server stored procedure and triggers are two main diversely used features.
In certain situations, they can be confusing but the main idea is very simple.

What is Stored Procedure in SQL Server?

Stored procedures are are created by the user in the database.
A procedure is a collection of SQL statements that have been created specifically to perform a set of statements. It reduces the time to write the code and the number of lines needed.
Stored procedures can be linked with multiple tables as well.

Benefits of Procedures

It is possible to build a Stored Procedure only once, save it, and then call it several times depending on the requirements of the application. This type of programming is known as modular programming. This makes it possible to carry out the process more quickly.
Reduces the amount of network traffic.
Improving data security.
Because the code for the stored procedures are all located in the same location, it is simple to update them and keep track of their dependencies in the event that the schema is modified. This makes it straightforward to maintain.
Testing may be done regardless of whether the application is running or not.

What are triggers in SQL Server?

Triggers indicate their function just by their name themselves. Triggers get triggered automatically as an indication of the response generated through a specific action.

Triggers are database programs in SQL Server. A trigger can be linked only to one table. But these are event-driven programs, which means triggers occur when a specific action is performed.

An INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE action in a database might initiate a specific sort of process known as a trigger, which is a kind of procedure that only runs when the triggering event takes place.

Benefits of Triggers

Security of the information.
Putting a stop to transactions that aren't valid.
Additionally, it ensures that all of the tables are in sync with one another.
The usage of triggers helps ensure that referential integrity is maintained.
Event logging and auditing are two more applications that make use of triggers.

What is the difference between a Stored procedure and a trigger?

There are many differences between the Stored procedure and trigger. Following are the key differences between a Stored procedure and a trigger in SQL Server:

Execution. With the EXEC command, we can run a Stored Procedure at any time we want. The triggers, on the other hand, are automatically triggered whenever a specific table event occurs (insert, update, or delete).

Parameter. Stored Procedures can take parameters as input, but Triggers can't do that.

Return Values. Stored procedures can return values, but triggers cannot return values while executing them.

Transaction Stored procedures allow you to use transactions such as BEGIN transaction, COMMIT, ROLLBACK, SAVE transaction, but triggers don't allow you to use transactions.

Calling. A Trigger can call a Stored Procedure. If you want a Stored Procedure to include Triggers, you can't do so since Triggers must be automatically triggered whenever an event happens (insert, update/delete). Stored procedures have the function to call another procedure inside itself, but triggers can only be nested in a table. Triggers cannot be placed inside another trigger.

Scheduling A job can be set up so that a Stored Procedure runs at a certain time. However, triggers can't be pre-planned.

Print command. To find bugs, we can use the Print command inside a Stored Procedure. Print statements are not permitted in Triggers. Trigger debugging is difficult because of this.

Uses. Stored procedures are mostly used to do tasks that are unique to each user. The Triggers, on the other hand, are often employed to keep the database's referential integrity and do audits. It is possible to monitor the activity of table events by utilizing Triggers.