What are formal and actual parameters?

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What are formal and actual parameters?

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Formal parameters are variables declared in the parameter list of a subprogram (such as a procedure or a function) specification. However, actual parameters are variables or expressions referenced in the parameter list of a subprogram call.

During a subprogram call, actual parameters are evaluated and their values are assigned to formal parameters. An actual parameter can also be in the form of an expression. On the other hand, a formal parameter is always a variable. It is a good practice to use different names for formal and actual parameters. It is Oracle's general convention to prefix the names of formal parameters with p_.

The formal and actual parameters should be of compatible datatypes. If necessary, before assigning the value, PL/SQL converts the datatype of the actual parameter value to that of the formal parameter.

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