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T-SQL / Variables & Flow

RETURN code

Learn RETURN code in T-SQL through a focused explanation, a dedicated construct-specific example, an engineering boundary, and a mastery check.

10 min read • Beginner

RETURN code is an atomic T-SQL topic inside Variables & Flow. This lesson focuses on how the RETURN code construct is written, what it changes, and when it is the right tool.

Trace the example line by line. Identify the exact syntax for RETURN code, the input state before it runs, and the resulting value, control flow, database state, hardware behavior, or runtime effect afterward. Neighboring lessons use different constructs rather than renamed copies of this one.

Topic-specific example

tsql-02-10-return-code.sql
tsql Try It Live 
CREATE OR ALTER PROCEDURE dbo.CheckStock AS BEGIN IF NOT EXISTS(SELECT 1 FROM Stock WHERE qty>0) RETURN 1; RETURN 0; END;
Edge case / engineering note

For RETURN code, test the boundary that belongs to this exact feature rather than a generic failure case. Check invalid or empty input, NULL/unknown state, numeric limits, transaction or exception behavior, synthesis/runtime constraints, ownership/permission rules, or backtracking/control-flow effects where they apply.

Content source & attribution
Original Syntaxis Content · Original Syntaxis Content

Lesson quizzes

RETURN code Mastery Check →
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OUTPUT clause