Re: plpgsql functions vs. embedded queries

"Wright, George" <George.Wright@infimatic.com> writes:
>> Are funtions in plpgsql always slower than embedding sql queries in
>> string form in code like PHP?
> The functions took on average more than 10 times as long.

That suggests that you're getting a radically different, less efficient
plan for the "same" query inside a function.  The exact reasons why are
hard to diagnose without a concrete example, but usually the story has
to do with comparing parameterized queries inside a function to
not-parameterized queries elsewhere.  There are various workarounds
but the best choice depends on details you've not shown us.

            regards, tom lane