The Latest SQL Server Version: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Dear Dev, SQL Server has been around since the 1980s, and over time, it has evolved into an incredibly powerful database management system. The latest version, SQL Server 2019, comes with a host of new features and improvements designed to help engineers and developers like you work more efficiently and effectively. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the latest SQL Server version, from its new features to its system requirements and everything in between.

What’s New with SQL Server 2019?

The latest version of SQL Server, 2019, brings a variety of new features and enhancements that make it easier and faster to manage and analyze large amounts of data. Here are some of the most notable new features:

1. Big Data Clusters

SQL Server 2019 introduces a new feature called Big Data Clusters, which enables you to combine SQL Server’s relational database with big data technologies like Apache Spark and Hadoop in a unified solution. With Big Data Clusters, you can process big data workloads and analyze data from different sources without having to move data around.

Additionally, you can use Kubernetes to orchestrate containers and other resources across multiple servers, which makes it easier to scale up and down based on your workload.

2. Improved Security

Security is a major concern for any database management system, and SQL Server 2019 includes several new features designed to enhance security. For example, it includes enhanced data protection features like Always Encrypted, which protects sensitive data at rest and in motion, and the ability to enforce data classification policies to identify and classify sensitive data.

Additionally, SQL Server 2019 includes enhancements to Authentication and Authorization, Automatic Threat Detection and Remediation, and more

3. Accelerated Database Recovery

SQL Server’s new Accelerated Database Recovery feature allows you to recover databases much faster after a crash or other incident. With this feature, you can roll back changes to a specific point in time, rather than having to restore the entire database. This saves significant time and resources, especially for large databases with long recovery times.

4. Intelligent Query Processing

SQL Server 2019 introduces a new feature called Intelligent Query Processing, which uses machine learning to improve query performance. With this feature, the SQL Server engine can automatically detect the most efficient way to execute a query and optimize it in real-time. This can lead to significant performance improvements, especially for complex or long-running queries.

5. Support for Kubernetes

SQL Server 2019 supports containerization with Kubernetes. This means that you can run SQL Server inside a containerized environment, which helps with portability and scalability. Additionally, you can use Kubernetes to automatically scale up or down based on demand, which makes it much easier to handle spikes in traffic or other workload changes.

What are the System Requirements for SQL Server 2019?

Before installing SQL Server 2019, it’s important to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. Here are the system requirements for running SQL Server 2019:

Component	Minimum Requirements
CPU	2 GHz or faster processor
Memory	2 GB of RAM or more
Hard Disk Space	At least 6 GB of available hard disk space
Operating System	Windows Server 2012 or later, or Linux

It’s worth noting that these are the minimum requirements, and depending on your specific workload and data size, you may need more resources to run SQL Server 2019 effectively.

FAQ

Q: Can I Upgrade to SQL Server 2019 from an Older Version?

A: Yes, you can upgrade to SQL Server 2019 from any version of SQL Server 2012 or later. However, keep in mind that there may be compatibility issues with older features or applications. It’s recommended to review the SQL Server upgrade documentation before proceeding with an upgrade.

Q: Can I Install SQL Server 2019 on a Virtual Machine?

A: Yes, you can install SQL Server 2019 on a virtual machine. In fact, virtualization is supported as long as the system requirements are met.

Q: What Editions of SQL Server 2019 are Available?

A: SQL Server 2019 is available in several editions, including Standard, Enterprise, and Developer. The Developer edition is free and offers all the features of the Enterprise edition for non-production use.

Q: Can I use SQL Server 2019 in the Cloud?

A: Yes, you can use SQL Server 2019 in the cloud. Microsoft offers several options for deploying SQL Server in the cloud, including Azure Virtual Machines and Azure SQL Database. Additionally, you can run SQL Server 2019 in containerized environments like Kubernetes.

Q: How can I Learn More about SQL Server 2019?

A: The best way to learn more about SQL Server 2019 is to review the official Microsoft documentation. Additionally, you can find resources like tutorials, white papers, and forums online to help you get started.

Conclusion

SQL Server 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular database management system, and it comes with a variety of new features and improvements designed to help you work more efficiently and effectively. With new features like Big Data Clusters, Accelerated Database Recovery, and Intelligent Query Processing, you can manage and analyze large amounts of data with ease. If you’re thinking about upgrading to SQL Server 2019, make sure to review the system requirements and consider any compatibility issues before proceeding.