Question

A data engineer needs to create a scalar UDF that parses a URL string, extracts the query parameters into a set of key-value pairs, and returns a formatted VARIANT. The logic requires procedural string manipulation with loops and conditional branching that is awkward to express in pure SQL. Performance on large row counts is a concern, but the function must remain a scalar UDF callable in SELECT statements. Which approach best fits these requirements?

Accepted Answer

Create a JavaScript UDF, since it supports procedural constructs like loops and conditionals while returning a VARIANT and remaining callable inline in queries

Answer

Create a SQL UDF, because SQL UDFs can execute arbitrary procedural loops and are always faster than other UDF languages

Answer

Create a stored procedure, because only stored procedures can return VARIANT values and process complex logic

Answer

Create a JavaScript UDTF, because scalar transformations of a single input value require a tabular function