Mysql function to return row count from a procedure call -

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• how can number of rows 'returned' result set of stored procedure 2 answers

i trying write function return number of rows call stored procedure return. i'm trying minimise repetition of code (for reduced code maintenance/debugging- procedure select long).

the stored procedure read-only selects rows matching criteria (vague know details should not material question).

i copy procedure function , change select count() long multiple joins hoping write function call procedure , return row count. goal not optimised running efficient code maintenance, boiler plate reduction.

i have tried test:

 delimiter //  create procedure if not exists proc_select1() begin     select 1; end //  create function if not exists select1_count() returns int unsigned begin     call proc_select1();     return found_rows(); end //  delimiter ; 

however when select select1_count(); - hoping return 1 - "cannot return result set function" error.

i tried assigning found_rows variable, clearing result set returning variable value can't work.

does know work around or need copy-paste procedure , convert select count , function?

i'm using mysql 5.5.16 (can upgrade if necessary), windows 7 (nobody seems want upgrade :) heidisqlv7.0.0.4053 (if relevant)

as always, appreciated.

first use distinct distinct values use count on that..like

select count(distinct column_name) table_name