What is the purpose of "user-defined functions" in SAP HANA?

User-defined functions in SAP HANA serve the essential purpose of allowing users to encapsulate reusable logic in SQLScript, making complex data manipulations more efficient and manageable. By creating user-defined functions, developers and database administrators can write code that performs specific tasks or calculations, which can then be reused across various queries or applications without needing to rewrite the logic each time. This not only enhances code maintainability but also promotes consistency in data processing.

The ability to encapsulate logic in user-defined functions is particularly beneficial in environments where complex operations are required, as it helps streamline workflows and improves performance by enabling optimized execution. The SQLScript used within these functions can include various SQL statements and control structures, allowing for sophisticated data processing techniques.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the function of user-defined functions. Providing a user interface for data entry relates to application development rather than database logic encapsulation. Scheduling automatic database backups involves database administration tasks that are unrelated to user-defined function capabilities. Similarly, simplifying the monitoring of system health pertains to system administration and performance management rather than the functions of user-defined logic within the database.