The `sp_helptext` stored procedure in SQL Server is a useful tool for retrieving the definition of a specified database object, such as a view, stored procedure, or user-defined function. To use `sp_helptext`, you simply need to execute it with the object name as a parameter. For example, if you want to see the definition of a stored procedure named `usp_GetCustomerData`, you would run the command: `EXEC sp_helptext ‘usp_GetCustomerData’;`. This procedure will return the text of the stored procedure in a result set, allowing you to inspect its definition and logic easily. Keep in mind that in order to retrieve the object definition, you must have the necessary permissions granted to you.

It’s also important to note that `sp_helptext` can only be used for objects that can have their definitions exposed. If you attempt to use it on a system object, or on an object that has been encrypted, SQL Server will return an error indicating that the object does not exist or cannot be accessed. For script-based approaches or if you’re dealing with encrypted objects, you might consider using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to view the properties and definitions or employ other methods for extracting object information. Additionally, when working with complex objects, you can leverage SQL Server’s built-in documentation features or query system catalog views like `sys.sql_modules`, which can provide a different angle of insight into object definitions and their metadata.