title: Can PL/SQL functions or procedures work with variables inputted by a user during a run?
body: <p>I've been asked to evaluate whether Oracle PL/SQL could be used to perform a re-design of a piece of Fortran code that our organisation has used for years.</p>
  <p>This code interacts with our database and cycles through a list of newly registered web users, providing their details to a helpdesk team. The code then asks the helpdesk team if they are happy with the user details, through a Y/N? If Y, the code then proceeds and asks the helpdesk team, again through a series of Y/N statements if certain other statements are true. At the end of every Y/N, there is a write to a row on one or more database tables.</p>
  <p>Once it finishes these enquiries with the first user, the code then loops and repeats for the next user in the list.</p>
  <p>I know Oracle PL/SQL allows the use in scripts of input variables through <code>&amp;</code> and <code>&amp;&amp;</code>, but I don't know if the use of these input variable forms is allowed within functions and procedures?</p>
  <p>Can someone clarify please for me if <code>&amp;</code> and <code>&amp;&amp;</code> can be used within PL/SQL code such as functions and procedures?</p>
  <p>If not, that's fine - I'll just then have to approach the design process differently.</p>
  <p>Thanks</p>