History or Version of MS SQL Server

Microsoft Corporation created the RDBMS (relational database management system) known as Microsoft SQL Server. For the OS/2 operating system, SQL Server's initial version was launched in 1989. Microsoft launched SQL Server for the Windows operating system in 1993.

Versions of SQL listed by year of release:

The initial release of SQL Server, version 1.0, was made available in 1989 for the OS/2 operating system.

This version, SQL Server 4.2, was made available for the Windows NT operating system in 1992.

The 1995 release of SQL Server 6.0 by Microsoft includes stored procedures, triggers, and views that make it easier for programmers to accomplish their work.

After restructuring, Microsoft released SQL Server 7.0, which included OLAP and data warehousing ideas.

XML support and indexed views, among other new capabilities, were added with the introduction of SQL Server 2000 (available in 2000).

After substantial security, scalability, and availability enhancements, Microsoft released SQL Server 2005 (Released in 2005). Additionally, improved XML and the.NET framework have been incorporated.

New Concepts introduced in SQL Server 2005 version:

1. Integration Services (SSIS): A platform for creating data integration and workflow applications is called Integration Services (SSIS).

2. Common Language Runtime (CLR) Integration: The ability to create stored procedures, triggers, and functions in .NET languages with Common Language Runtime (CLR) Integration.

3. Service Broker: A messaging architecture for creating scalable and dependable database applications is called a service broker.

4. Database Mirroring: A high-availability feature for ongoing data availability is database mirroring.

This version of SQL Server 2008 provides geographic data, data compression, and policy-based management (released in 2008).

New Concepts introduced in SQL Server 2008 version:

1. Policy-Based Management: Policy-based management is a system for managing and enforcing policies on SQL Server instances.

2. Transparent Data Encryption: The capacity to encrypt database files while they are at rest, enhancing security, is known as transparent data encryption.

3. Resource Governor: Enables resource allocation and workload management to various programs or users.

4. FILESTREAM: Allows massive binary data to be stored and managed on the file system, outside of a database.

This version of SQL Server 2008 R2 (Released In 2010) supports Master Data Services, the PowerPivot add-in, and other BI features.

Columnstore indexes and AlwaysOn Availability Groups are included in the 2012 edition of SQL Server  (Released In 2012) by Microsoft.

New Concepts introduced in SQL Server 2012 version:

1. AlwaysOn Availability Groups: Enables numerous backup replicas for high availability and disaster recovery.

2. Columnstore Indexes: A columnar storage structure that enhances the efficiency of queries on huge datasets.

3. SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): Database development environment integrated with SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).

4. SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular Model: Analysis Services for SQL Server (SSAS) The tabular model uses an in-memory analytics engine to handle data more quickly.

The 2014 edition of SQL Server (released in 2014) has improved disaster recovery tools and in-memory OLTP.

New Concepts introduced in SQL Server 2014 version:

1. In-Memory OLTP: Utilising memory-optimized tables and natively built stored procedures, in-memory OLTP improves performance for OLTP workloads.

2. Azure connection: For hybrid cloud scenarios, a seamless connection with Microsoft Azure is provided.

3. Buffer Pool Extension: Solid-state drives (SSDs) can be used to enlarge the buffer pool, which is known as this.

The JSON and PolyBase support in SQL Server 2016 (released in 2016) allows users to query data from Hadoop, and the AlwaysOn Availability Groups capabilities have been improved. The following query will check the version of the SQL Server.

SELECT @@Version

New Concepts introduced in SQL Server 2016 version:

1. Stretch Database: Enables cost-effective storage of historical and cold data by allowing seamless migration to Azure.

2. Always Encrypted: Guards against unauthorized access by encrypting sensitive data while it is in storage and in transit.

3. JSON Support: Allows for the database to store, query, and work with JSON data.

Users may install & utilize SQL servers on Linux using SQL Server 2017 (Released in 2017). In addition, Python and Graph Database are supported.

New Concepts introduced in SQL Server 2017 version:

1. Support for Linux: SQL Server is now compatible with Linux operating systems.

2. Support for Graph Databases: Offers assistance with graph-based data querying and modeling.

3. Adaptive Query Processing: By dynamically modifying execution plans by real facts, adaptive query processing improves query speed.

Big data clusters are supported by SQL Server 2019 (released in 2019), which also includes improved security features like Always Encrypted with secure enclaves.

New Concepts introduced in SQL Server 2019 version:

1. Big Data Clusters: These clusters handle and analyze massive datasets by combining SQL Server, Apache Spark, and Hadoop.

2. Intelligent Query Processing: Through functions like batch mode execution and memory grant feedback, intelligent query processing increases query performance.

3. Data virtualization: Allows data from many sources, such as external databases and data lakes, to be combined and queried.

Now supporting S3-compatible object storage that will send backups to a specific URL & Data Lake, SQL Server 2022 (Released In 2022). Additionally, SQL Server 2022 enables the transfer of read-only workloads to the cloud environment and connections between SQL Server instances and Azure SQL-managed instances.

To determine the SQL Server version, use the command below.

SELECT @@Version AS MySQLServerVertion

FAQs:

Q. How to check the SQL server version

A. SELECT @@Version AS SQLVersion

Q. Other ways to find SQL Server Version

A. Use SQL Server ".EXE" file to get version details. Just select the sqlservr.exe file & right-click and select properties. It'll display the version details.  

Q: Is MS SQL Server backward compatible?

A: Yes, Backward compatibility is usually available with MS SQL Server. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that not all features included in more recent versions may be compatible with earlier ones.

Q: Can I upgrade from an older version of MS SQL Server to a newer version?

A: Yes, a newer version of MS SQL Server may be upgraded from an earlier one. You may migrate your databases and apps to a newer version of SQL Server with the use of tools and advice from Microsoft.

Q: Does MS SQL Server have a free edition?

A: Yes, the SQL Server Express edition of MS SQL Server is, in fact, offered by Microsoft free of charge. For small-scale applications or development needs, it offers a feature-constrained yet dependable RDBMS option.

Q: What is the latest version of MS SQL Server?

A: Microsoft SQL Server version 2022 is the most recent.

 

Q: Can MS SQL Server be used in cloud environments?

A: It is possible to utilize MS SQL Server in cloud settings. Microsoft provides Azure SQL Database, a platform as a service (PaaS) solution that is completely managed and based on Microsoft Azure. It gives you the flexibility and high availability needed to install and grow SQL Server databases in the cloud.

Q: Are there any tools available for managing MS SQL Server?

A: Yes, Microsoft offers many management tools for MS SQL Server. A well-liked tool for managing databases, creating queries, and carrying out administrative duties is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). For database management and development, there are further command-line utilities, PowerShell modules, and third-party tools available.

Q: Does MS SQL Server support high availability and disaster recovery?

A: Yes, High availability and disaster recovery capabilities are offered by MS SQL Server. The ability to configure redundant database copies and automated failover to ensure business continuity in case of hardware or software failures is made possible by features like Always On Availability Groups and database mirroring.

Q: Can MS SQL Server handle large-scale data and heavy workloads?

A: Yes, MS SQL Server is made to manage huge workloads and massive amounts of data. Advanced scalability features like partitioning, distributed queries, and column store indexes are supported, enabling it to effectively handle and analyze enormous amounts of data.

Q: Is MS SQL Server suitable for data warehousing and business intelligence?

A: Yes, Data warehousing and business intelligence (BI) solutions are ideally suited for MS SQL Server. Its characteristics, which include SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) for online analytical processing (OLAP), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) for data integration, and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) for producing reports, make it a complete platform for BI deployments.

Q: Does MS SQL Server provide security features?

A: Yes, Strong security mechanisms are included in the MS SQL Server to safeguard your data. It includes authentication mechanisms, role-based access control, data encryption, and auditing capabilities to guarantee data privacy and adherence to security requirements.

Q: Can I extend the functionality of MS SQL Server through extensions or plugins?

A: Yes, MS SQL Server accepts plugins and extensions. By integrating it with other tools, libraries, or frameworks tailored to your needs, you may increase its capability. For a variety of uses, including data integration, performance monitoring, and data visualization, the SQL Server ecosystem provides a wide range of extensions.

Q: Is MS SQL Server suitable for both small-scale and enterprise-level applications?

A: Yes, Both small-scale and enterprise-level applications may be supported by MS SQL Server. Organizations of various sizes may use its capabilities since it offers editions that are adapted to varied demands and budgets.

Q: Can I get technical support for MS SQL Server?

A: Yes, Through several ways, Microsoft offers technical assistance for MS SQL Server. For self-help, you can use internet forums, knowledge bases, and manuals. Microsoft also provides paid support solutions, including as support contracts and professional services, to help with problem-solving and problem-solving.

Q: Is MS SQL Server continuously evolving and improving?

A: Yes, MS SQL Server is always being developed and improved. Microsoft often publishes updates, service packs, and new versions to add features, repair problems, and address security flaws. Maintaining your SQL Server installation will allow you to take advantage of the newest features and enhancements.

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