title: Calling SQL Functions directly from C#
body: <p>I have a requirement to run a query against a database that will return either a zero or one
  (Checking for existance of specific criteria).
  The Tech specs I've been given for review state that I should be creating a stored procedure, that will return a single row, with a single column called "result" that will contain a bit value of 0 or 1.
  However, I'm not sure that a stored procedure would be the best approach, but am a little unsure so thought I'd ask for you opinions.
  The two options I can think of are:</p>
  
  <p>1: Create a SQL scalar-valued function that performs the query and returns a bit.
  This could then be called directly from within the .Net client application using a "TEXT" SqlCommand object, and it would return a bool from the "ExecuteScalar()" method.</p>
  
  <p>2: Create a stored procedure as described in the tech specs.
  This would then be called from the .Net Client app in the normal manner, and would return a DataTable with a single row and single column, that contains the bit value.</p>
  
  <p>To me, option one seems the best. However, something in the back of my head is saying this isn't such a good idea.</p>
  
  <p>Please could you give your opinions and help relieve my concerns? :)</p>
  
  <p>Cheers,
  Ian</p>