What are stored procedures?

Stored procedures are precompiled collections of SQL statements that are stored in a database. They enable users to execute a batch of SQL commands as a single callable routine. This offers multiple benefits, including improved performance since the SQL statements need not be compiled each time they are executed. Additionally, stored procedures can encapsulate complex logic, allowing for easier code maintenance and improved security by regulating access to data.

The nature of stored procedures allows them to be called from applications as needed, which enhances application efficiency and database interaction. By consolidating multiple SQL statements, they can reduce the amount of data sent over the network, as all commands are executed on the server side.

The other options do not accurately define stored procedures. Temporary data storage solutions may refer to temporary tables or caches, but that is not the essence of stored procedures. Data encryption methods relate to securing data but do not constitute stored procedures themselves. Direct access pathways to data could describe different means of accessing a database but do not encapsulate the concept of stored procedures. Thus, the correct definition focuses on their role as precompiled collections of SQL statements.