Trigger vs. Procedure — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 19, 2024
A trigger initiates an action or event, while a procedure is a series of steps followed to achieve a task or result.
Difference Between Trigger and Procedure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A trigger causes an immediate reaction or starts a specific event. For example, in databases, a trigger can automatically update a record when certain conditions are met. Conversely, a procedure is a predefined set of steps designed to complete a task, ensuring consistency and reliability in execution.
Triggers are often used to automate processes, reducing the need for manual intervention. For instance, an email trigger sends an automated response when a form is submitted. Procedures, on the other hand, provide a detailed guide for performing tasks, such as a standard operating procedure (SOP) in a business, ensuring that each step is executed correctly.
In programming, a trigger is a specific type of function that runs automatically when a particular event occurs. In contrast, a procedure is a more general function or routine that performs a specific operation when called upon within the code.
Triggers are typically event-driven, meaning they respond to specific changes or actions. For example, a security alarm trigger activates the alarm system when motion is detected. Procedures are task-driven, following a sequence of actions regardless of the immediate context, like a procedure for installing software.
Triggers can be less predictable, as they depend on specific events to occur. For instance, a financial trigger might activate during market changes. Procedures are designed to be predictable and repeatable, such as a procedure for handling customer complaints, ensuring uniformity in responses.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Initiates an action or event
Series of steps to achieve a task
Usage
Event-driven automation
Task-driven execution
Context
Reacts to specific conditions
Followed regardless of immediate context
Predictability
Less predictable, event-dependent
Predictable and repeatable
Example
Automatic email response on form submission
Standard operating procedure in a business
Compare with Definitions
Trigger
A device or mechanism that activates a function.
The gun's trigger was pulled.
Procedure
A set of instructions for completing a task.
The procedure for resetting the router is straightforward.
Trigger
A psychological stimulus that provokes a response.
Loud noises can trigger anxiety.
Procedure
A series of actions conducted in a certain order.
Follow the procedure to bake the cake.
Trigger
A cause of a particular action or process.
The news report triggered widespread panic.
Procedure
A specific way of accomplishing something.
The assembly line procedure increased efficiency.
Trigger
The lever pressed by the finger to discharge a firearm.
Procedure
A medical or surgical operation.
The procedure took three hours to complete.
Trigger
A similar device used to release or activate a mechanism.
Procedure
An established or official way of doing something
The police are now reviewing procedures
Parliamentary procedure
Trigger
Something that precipitates a particular event or situation.
Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
Trigger
Something that induces intense emotional distress, especially by evoking memories of past trauma.
Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
Trigger
(Electronics) A pulse or circuit that initiates the action of another component.
Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
Trigger
To set off; initiate
Remarks that triggered bitter debates.
Allergens that trigger asthma attacks.
Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
Trigger
To induce (a powerful emotional reaction)
A situation that triggered a panic attack in the patient.
Procedure
(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.
Trigger
To induce a powerful emotional reaction in, especially by evoking memories of past trauma
Avoided watching films that might trigger him.
Procedure
A particular method for performing a task.
Trigger
To fire or explode (a weapon or an explosive charge).
Procedure
A series of small tasks or steps taken to accomplish an end.
Trigger
(firearms) A finger-operated lever used to fire a gun.
Just pull the trigger.
Procedure
(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.
Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information.
Trigger
A similar device used to activate any mechanism.
Procedure
The steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Trigger
An event that initiates others, or incites a response.
Sleeping in an unfamiliar room can be a trigger for sleepwalking.
Procedure
(obsolete) That which results; issue; product.
Trigger
A concept or image that upsets somebody by sparking a negative emotional response.
I can't watch that violent film. Blood is one of my triggers.
Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
Trigger
(psychology) An event, experience or other stimulus that initiates a traumatic memory or a strong reaction in a person.
Procedure
(medicine) A surgical operation.
Trigger
(music) An electronic transducer allowing a drum, cymbal, etc. to control an electronic drum unit or similar device.
Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
Trigger
(music) A device that manually lengthens (or sometimes shortens) the slide or tubing of a brass instrument, allowing the pitch range to be altered while playing.
Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Trigger
(electronics) A pulse in an electronic circuit that initiates some component.
Procedure
That which results; issue; product.
Trigger
(databases) An SQL procedure that may be initiated when a record is inserted, updated or deleted; typically used to maintain referential integrity.
Procedure
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
Trigger
(online gaming) A text string that, when received by a player, will cause the player to execute a certain command.
Procedure
A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;
The operations in building a house
Certain machine tool operations
Trigger
(archaic) A catch to hold the wheel of a carriage on a declivity.
Procedure
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Trigger
(transitive) To fire a weapon.
Procedure
A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
Trigger
(transitive) To initiate something.
The controversial article triggered a deluge of angry letters from readers.
Procedure
A formal method for carrying out operations.
The company has a procedure for handling grievances.
Trigger
To spark a response, especially a negative emotional response, in (someone).
This story contains a rape scene and may be triggering for rape victims.
Trigger
To intentionally offend someone, especially by expressing radical or edgy opinions.
I encountered a forum user who didn't agree with me, so I wrote some comments with my political slogans to trigger that clueless kiddo.
Trigger
To activate; to become active.
Trigger
A catch to hold the wheel of a carriage on a declivity.
Trigger
A piece, as a lever, which is connected with a catch or detent as a means of releasing it; especially (Firearms), the part of a lock which is moved by the finger to release the cock and discharge the piece.
Trigger
Lever that activates the firing mechanism of a gun
Trigger
A device that activates or releases or causes something to happen
Trigger
An act that sets in motion some course of events
Trigger
Put in motion or move to act;
Trigger a reaction
Actuate the circuits
Trigger
Release or pull the trigger on;
Trigger a gun
Trigger
An event that causes a reaction.
The allergic reaction was triggered by peanuts.
Trigger
A function in a database that executes in response to an event.
A trigger updated the inventory count.
Common Curiosities
Can triggers be used outside of technology?
Yes, triggers can refer to any event or action that causes a reaction, such as an allergy trigger.
What is a procedure?
A procedure is a series of steps designed to achieve a specific task or result.
Can a trigger be part of a procedure?
Yes, a procedure can include triggers that automate certain steps.
How are triggers used in databases?
Triggers in databases run automatically when certain events, like updates or deletions, occur.
What is an example of a trigger in daily life?
An example is a smoke detector trigger that sounds an alarm when smoke is detected.
What is a trigger?
A trigger initiates an action or event automatically based on certain conditions.
What is an example of a procedure in daily life?
An example is a morning routine procedure, which includes steps like brushing teeth and having breakfast.
What is the main difference between a trigger and a procedure?
A trigger initiates an action automatically, while a procedure is a manual sequence of steps.
Why are procedures important in businesses?
Procedures ensure tasks are completed correctly and consistently.
Are procedures flexible?
Procedures can be adjusted as needed but are typically designed to be followed consistently.
How do triggers help in automation?
Triggers help by automatically initiating actions without manual intervention.
Can triggers be programmed?
Yes, triggers can be programmed in software to respond to specific conditions.
Are triggers predictable?
Triggers are less predictable as they depend on specific events to occur.
Do procedures ensure consistency?
Yes, procedures are designed to provide a consistent and repeatable way to complete tasks.
Can both triggers and procedures improve efficiency?
Yes, triggers automate tasks, and procedures provide clear guidelines, both improving efficiency.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
