100% Free Forever
AI-Powered Learning
Industry Expert Content
Certificates & Badges
Learn At Your Own Pace

Stored Procedures & Triggers Cheat Sheet

Stored Procedures & Triggers Cheat Sheet

Covers writing stored procedures, functions, and triggers in SQL for encapsulating business logic and automating actions on data changes.

2 PagesIntermediateMar 20, 2026

PL/pgSQL Function

A reusable function that returns a scalar value.

sql
CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION get_customer_total(p_customer_id INT)RETURNS NUMERIC AS $$DECLARE  v_total NUMERIC;BEGIN  SELECT COALESCE(SUM(total), 0) INTO v_total  FROM orders  WHERE customer_id = p_customer_id;  RETURN v_total;END;$$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;-- Call itSELECT get_customer_total(42);

MySQL Stored Procedure

A procedure that performs a transactional update.

sql
DELIMITER $$CREATE PROCEDURE ApplyDiscount(IN p_order_id INT, IN p_pct DECIMAL(5,2))BEGIN  DECLARE v_total DECIMAL(10,2);  START TRANSACTION;  UPDATE orders  SET total = total - (total * p_pct / 100)  WHERE id = p_order_id;  COMMIT;END $$DELIMITER ;CALL ApplyDiscount(101, 10.00);

Trigger for Audit Logging

Automatically log status changes on update.

sql
CREATE TABLE order_audit (  id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,  order_id INT,  old_status TEXT,  new_status TEXT,  changed_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT now());CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION log_status_change() RETURNS TRIGGER AS $$BEGIN  IF OLD.status IS DISTINCT FROM NEW.status THEN    INSERT INTO order_audit(order_id, old_status, new_status)    VALUES (OLD.id, OLD.status, NEW.status);  END IF;  RETURN NEW;END;$$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;CREATE TRIGGER trg_order_status_changeAFTER UPDATE ON ordersFOR EACH ROWEXECUTE FUNCTION log_status_change();

Key Concepts

Terminology for server-side database logic.

  • Stored procedure- A named, precompiled block of SQL/procedural code stored in the database and invoked with CALL
  • Function- Similar to a procedure but returns a value and can be used inside a SELECT statement
  • Trigger- Code that automatically runs BEFORE or AFTER an INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE on a table
  • ROW vs STATEMENT trigger- FOR EACH ROW fires once per affected row; a statement-level trigger fires once per statement regardless of rows affected
  • OLD / NEW- Pseudo-records available inside a trigger representing the row before (OLD) and after (NEW) the change
  • Recursive trigger risk- A trigger that modifies the same table it's attached to can cause infinite recursion if not guarded

Exception Handling in PL/pgSQL

Catch and re-raise specific error conditions inside a function block.

sql
CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION transfer_funds(p_from INT, p_to INT, p_amount NUMERIC)RETURNS VOID AS $$BEGIN  UPDATE accounts SET balance = balance - p_amount WHERE id = p_from;  IF NOT FOUND THEN    RAISE EXCEPTION 'source account % not found', p_from USING ERRCODE = 'no_data_found';  END IF;  IF (SELECT balance FROM accounts WHERE id = p_from) < 0 THEN    RAISE EXCEPTION 'insufficient funds in account %', p_from USING ERRCODE = 'check_violation';  END IF;  UPDATE accounts SET balance = balance + p_amount WHERE id = p_to;EXCEPTION  WHEN check_violation THEN    RAISE NOTICE 'transfer rolled back: %', SQLERRM;    RAISE;  WHEN OTHERS THEN    RAISE WARNING 'unexpected error in transfer_funds: % (SQLSTATE %)', SQLERRM, SQLSTATE;    RAISE;END;$$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;

SQL Server INSTEAD OF Trigger on a View

Make an otherwise non-updatable multi-table view writable.

sql
CREATE VIEW dbo.vw_order_summary ASSELECT o.id, o.customer_id, c.name AS customer_name, o.totalFROM orders oJOIN customers c ON c.id = o.customer_id;GOCREATE TRIGGER trg_order_summary_updateON dbo.vw_order_summaryINSTEAD OF UPDATEASBEGIN  SET NOCOUNT ON;  UPDATE o  SET o.total = i.total  FROM orders o  JOIN inserted i ON i.id = o.id;  -- inserted/deleted pseudo-tables expose the batch of rows being changed  IF UPDATE(customer_name)    RAISERROR('customer_name is derived and cannot be updated directly', 16, 1);END;

Recursive CTE Wrapped in a Procedure

Walk a hierarchical table (org chart) and return it as a result set.

sql
DELIMITER $$CREATE PROCEDURE GetOrgChart(IN p_root_id INT)BEGIN  WITH RECURSIVE org AS (    SELECT id, name, manager_id, 1 AS depth    FROM employees    WHERE id = p_root_id    UNION ALL    SELECT e.id, e.name, e.manager_id, org.depth + 1    FROM employees e    JOIN org ON e.manager_id = org.id  )  SELECT * FROM org ORDER BY depth, name;END $$DELIMITER ;CALL GetOrgChart(1);

Guarding Against Trigger Recursion

Use pg_trigger_depth() to stop a self-referential trigger from looping.

sql
CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION propagate_parent_total() RETURNS TRIGGER AS $$BEGIN  -- Bail out if this trigger is already nested inside itself  IF pg_trigger_depth() > 1 THEN    RETURN NEW;  END IF;  UPDATE categories  SET running_total = running_total + (NEW.amount - COALESCE(OLD.amount, 0))  WHERE id = NEW.category_id;  RETURN NEW;END;$$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;CREATE TRIGGER trg_propagate_totalAFTER INSERT OR UPDATE ON transactionsFOR EACH ROWEXECUTE FUNCTION propagate_parent_total();

Advanced Concepts

Terminology that matters once you move past simple CRUD triggers.

  • Transition tables (REFERENCING clause)- Postgres AFTER triggers can expose the whole affected batch as OLD TABLE / NEW TABLE for set-based logic instead of row-by-row processing
  • SECURITY DEFINER vs SECURITY INVOKER- A function marked SECURITY DEFINER runs with the privileges of its owner, not the caller — powerful for controlled privilege escalation but a privilege-escalation risk if the search_path isn't pinned
  • Deferred constraint triggers- CREATE CONSTRAINT TRIGGER ... DEFERRABLE INITIALLY DEFERRED runs at COMMIT time instead of per-statement, useful for cross-row invariants checked only once per transaction
  • WHEN clause on triggers- CREATE TRIGGER ... WHEN (condition) filters which rows fire the trigger function at the engine level, avoiding a wasted function call for no-op updates
  • Statement-level AFTER triggers for batch aggregation- Firing once per statement with transition tables lets you update a summary table in one UPDATE instead of once per row, avoiding N separate lock acquisitions
  • search_path pinning- SECURITY DEFINER functions should SET search_path = pg_catalog, public explicitly to prevent a malicious schema earlier in the caller's search_path from hijacking unqualified object references
  • Trigger execution order- Multiple triggers of the same type/timing on one table fire in alphabetical order of trigger name, not creation order — name them deliberately (e.g. 'aa_validate', 'zz_audit')
Pro Tip

Keep triggers side-effect-light and fast — logic buried in triggers is invisible to anyone reading application code and can silently slow down bulk inserts/updates; prefer explicit application-layer logic or a documented CDC pipeline for anything beyond simple auditing or constraint enforcement.

Was this cheat sheet helpful?

Explore Topics

#StoredProceduresTriggers#StoredProceduresTriggersCheatSheet#Database#Intermediate#PLPgSQLFunction#MySQLStoredProcedure#TriggerForAuditLogging#KeyConcepts#Functions#Databases#CheatSheet#SkillVeris

Frequently Asked Questions

21 categories · pick one to explore

Does SkillVeris have a tech blog, and what does it cover?
Yes, the SkillVeris blog has over 500 articles covering AI and machine learning, programming, web development, DevOps, cloud, security, databases and career guidance. Articles are practical and answer-first, and many use the Learn Through Hobbies approach, teaching technical concepts through cricket, music, gaming or cooking analogies. Everything is free to read.
What is the SkillVeris tech glossary and how big is it?
The SkillVeris glossary is a free reference of roughly 2,000-plus technology terms, each with a clear plain-language definition. It spans AI, programming, web, DevOps, cloud, security and database vocabulary, so whenever a lesson, article or job description uses jargon you do not recognise, the glossary gives you a fast, reliable answer.
Are the developer cheat sheets on SkillVeris free to download?
The cheat sheets are completely free to use, like everything else on SkillVeris. Each sheet condenses a language or tool into its essential syntax, commands and patterns for quick reference while coding. They are designed for rapid lookup during real work, complementing the deeper explanations found in study notes and courses.
Which programming references and cheat sheets are available?
Cheat sheets cover the platform's main domains, including programming languages, AI and ML tooling, web development, DevOps, cloud, security and databases, matching the topics of the 37 live courses. Each sheet lists related reading links and hashtags, so you can jump from a quick reference into fuller study notes or blog articles.
How do I find the meaning of a technical term quickly?
Search the SkillVeris glossary, which holds around 2,000-plus terms with concise, plain-language definitions. Each entry gets to the point in its first sentence, then links to related reading like blog posts or study notes for deeper context. It is faster and more consistent than sifting through scattered search results.
Is the SkillVeris blog good for beginners learning to code?
Yes, many blog articles are written specifically for beginners, and the Learn Through Hobbies style makes them unusually approachable: you might learn Python concepts through cricket or understand APIs through cooking. With 500-plus articles across skill levels, beginners can start with fundamentals and keep reading as they advance, entirely free.
Can cheat sheets replace full courses for learning a language?
No, cheat sheets are references, not teaching tools; they assume you already understand the concepts and just need syntax or commands fast. To actually learn a language, take a structured SkillVeris course with its 24–40 lessons and assessments, then keep the cheat sheet beside you while practising in Code Lab.
How often are new blog articles published on SkillVeris?
The blog grows regularly and already exceeds 500 articles, with new posts added as courses launch and technologies evolve. Topics track the platform's catalogue across AI, programming, web development, DevOps, cloud and security, so checking the Blog section periodically surfaces fresh tutorials, explainers and career-focused pieces, all free to read.
Does the glossary cover AI and machine learning terms?
Yes, AI and machine learning vocabulary is a major part of the roughly 2,000-plus term glossary, covering everything from foundational terms to modern concepts around LLMs, RAG and MLOps. Definitions are plain-language and answer-first, which helps when dense AI papers or course lessons throw unfamiliar jargon at you.
Are there cheat sheets for interview preparation?
Cheat sheets work well as interview-day refreshers because they compress syntax, commands and key concepts into scannable references. For dedicated preparation, combine them with the SkillVeris interview questions feature, which includes readiness scoring, plus study notes for depth. Reviewing a relevant cheat sheet just before an interview steadies recall under pressure.
Can I read the tech blog without signing up?
Yes, the blog is freely readable, and SkillVeris never charges for content. All 500-plus articles are open, covering tutorials, concept explainers and career advice. Creating a free account adds value elsewhere on the platform, like course progress tracking and certificates, but reading the blog requires no commitment at all.
How is the SkillVeris glossary different from Wikipedia?
The glossary is purpose-built for learners: definitions are short, plain-language and answer-first, sized for a quick lookup mid-lesson rather than a deep encyclopedic read. Entries also cross-link to related SkillVeris study notes, blog posts and courses, so a definition becomes a doorway into structured learning instead of a dead end.
Do blog articles use the Learn Through Hobbies method?
Many blog articles teach technical topics through hobby analogies, a hallmark of the SkillVeris blog, so you will find articles explaining programming through cricket, machine learning through music, or system design through cooking. The analogy is the teaching device; the article still delivers the real technical concept underneath.
Where can I find quick programming references while coding?
Open the SkillVeris cheat sheets, which are built exactly for that moment: compact, scannable references for syntax, commands and common patterns across languages and tools. Keep the relevant sheet in a browser tab while you work in Code Lab or your own editor, and dip into the glossary for terminology.
Is there a glossary entry for terms I meet in job descriptions?
Very likely yes, with roughly 2,000-plus terms across AI, programming, web, DevOps, cloud, security and databases, the glossary covers most jargon that appears in tech job descriptions. Decoding a listing this way helps you judge role fit honestly and prepares you to discuss those terms in interviews.
Are the blog articles written for the Indian tech audience?
The blog serves Indian learners plus a worldwide audience. Content stays globally relevant while acknowledging realities that matter in India, such as free access being essential for students and freshers, and career guidance that connects naturally to the SkillVeris jobs portal, which aggregates roles across India, UK, USA, Germany and Remote.
Can I suggest a topic for the blog or glossary?
SkillVeris content grows in response to what learners need, so feedback is welcome through the platform's support channels. If a term is missing from the glossary or a topic deserves an article, telling the team helps prioritise it. Meanwhile, the AI Mentor can answer the question immediately, 24/7, at any depth.
Do cheat sheets and glossary entries link to deeper learning?
Yes, every cheat sheet and glossary entry carries related reading links into study notes, blog articles and courses, plus concept hashtags for discovering similar content. This cross-linking means a thirty-second lookup can smoothly become a structured learning session whenever you decide you want more than a quick answer.
What makes SkillVeris programming references trustworthy?
The references are written to strict internal quality standards, kept consistent with the platform's 37 live courses, and never padded with invented statistics or hype. Definitions and cheat sheets are reviewed against the same content contracts that govern courses, and the answer-first style makes any inaccuracy easy to spot and correct.
How do the blog, glossary and cheat sheets fit into my learning routine?
Use them as satellites around your main course: read blog articles for context and motivation, hit the glossary the instant jargon appears, and keep cheat sheets open while coding. Together with study notes, Code Lab and the 24/7 AI Mentor, they turn passive reading into a complete, free learning system.

What Learners Say

Real journeys from the SkillVeris community — swipe for more.

SkillVeris taught me Python through Cricket. Now I’m building real projects and feeling confident!
Arjun S. · B.Tech Student
The best platform for hobby-based learning. Concepts finally stick.
Priya R. · Data Analyst
I went from zero coding to a portfolio of projects — all by learning through my love for gaming. Landed my first internship!
Kabir M. · CS Undergraduate
Trending Topics50 popular tags — tap to explore
Trending CoursesAll 37 free courses — tap to browse