SQL and Java User-Defined Functions

There are two mechanisms for creating user-defined functions in Sybase IQ. You can use the SQL language to write the function, or you can use Java.

Note: User-defined functions are processed by SQL Anywhere. They do not take advantage of the performance features of Sybase IQ. Queries that include user-defined functions run at least 10 times slower than queries without them.

In very few cases, differences in semantics between SQL Anywhere and Sybase IQ can produce different results for a query if it is issued in a user-defined function. For example, Sybase IQ treats the CHAR and VARCHAR data types as distinct and different, while SQL Anywhere treats CHAR data as if it were VARCHAR.

User-Defined Functions in SQL
You can implement your own functions in SQL using the CREATE FUNCTION statement. The RETURN statement inside the CREATE FUNCTION statement determines the data type of the function.
User-Defined Functions in Java
Although SQL functions are useful, Java classes provide a more powerful and flexible way of implementing user-defined functions, with the additional advantage that you can move them from the database server to a client application if desired.

Parent topic: SQL Functions