Hi, We allow a function to be invoked as part of PERFORM statement in plpgsql do $$ begin perform pg_relation_size('t1'); end; $$ language plpgsql; DO
But we do not allow a procedure to be invoked this way create procedure dummy_proc(a int) as $$ begin null; end; $$ language plpgsql; CREATE PROCEDURE
do $$ begin perform dummy_proc(1); end; $$ language plpgsql; ERROR: dummy_proc(integer) is a procedure LINE 1: SELECT dummy_proc(1) ^ HINT: To call a procedure, use CALL. QUERY: SELECT dummy_proc(1) CONTEXT: PL/pgSQL function inline_code_block line 2 at PERFORM
The documentation of PERFORM [1] says "For any SQL command that does not return rows, for example INSERT without a RETURNING clause, you can execute the command within a PL/pgSQL function just by writing the command."
Procedures fit that category and like functions, I think, we should allow them be invoked directly without any quoting and CALL decoration.
Why? The CALL is four chars more. It is keyword, and it reduce parser complexity - we should not to different between routine name and variable name.