Use case 3 – Function call in the SELECT statement

Calling a function in a where clause can reduce query performance when the function is VOLATILE and you don't use the select keyword while calling the function:

Select * from tab_name where FieldName = FunctionName(parameters);

An index scan runs if the select statement is used while calling the function:

Select * from tab_name where FieldName = ( select FunctionName(parameters) );

The pnr_number field has an index in the rnr_expiry_date table. The index is used when comparing the value in the where clause.

explain analyze select * from perf_user.rnr_expiry_date where pnr_number= 'EE9F41';

"Index Scan using rnr_expiry_date_idx3 on rnr_expiry_date  (cost=0.29..8.31 rows=1 width=72) (actual time=0.020..0.021 rows=1 loops=1)"
"  Index Cond: ((pnr_number)::text = 'EE9F41'::text)"
"Planning Time: 0.063 ms"
"Execution Time: 0.038 ms"

A sequential scan is performed when a function is called without the select keyword even when an index is available on the field.

explain analyze select * from perf_user.rnr_expiry_date where pnr_number= perf_user.return_data();

"Seq Scan on rnr_expiry_date  (cost=0.00..27084.00 rows=1 width=72) (actual time=0.112..135.917 rows=1 loops=1)"
"  Filter: ((pnr_number)::text = (perf_user.return_data())::text)"
"  Rows Removed by Filter: 99999"
"Planning Time: 0.053 ms"
"Execution Time: 136.803 ms"

An index scan is performed when the function is called with the select keyword.

explain analyze select * from perf_user.rnr_expiry_date where pnr_number= (select perf_user.return_data() );

"Index Scan using rnr_expiry_date_idx3 on rnr_expiry_date  (cost=0.55..8.57 rows=1 width=72) (actual time=0.058..0.061 rows=1 loops=1)"
"  Index Cond: ((pnr_number)::text = ($0)::text)"
"  InitPlan 1 (returns $0)"
"    ->  Result  (cost=0.00..0.26 rows=1 width=32) (actual time=0.021..0.022 rows=1 loops=1)"
"Planning Time: 0.147 ms"
"Execution Time: 0.111 ms"