Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2014: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hello Devs! Are you looking for a comprehensive guide on Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2014? Look no further! In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CLR Types and how you can use them to enhance your SQL Server experience. So, put on your thinking caps and let’s dive right in!

What are Microsoft System CLR Types?

Microsoft System CLR Types are a set of .NET Framework components that allow you to work with SQL Server data types in your .NET Framework applications. These components include the SQL Server-specific data types, such as geography and geometry, which are not available in the .NET Framework by default. CLR Types allow you to work with these data types in a type-safe manner, which means you can use them the same way you would use any other .NET Framework data type.

CLR Types were introduced in SQL Server 2005 and have been a part of every release since. In SQL Server 2014, CLR Types were updated to version 12.0. You can install CLR Types as part of the SQL Server feature pack, which includes a set of components that enhance your SQL Server experience.

Why Use CLR Types?

CLR Types provide a number of benefits to developers who work with SQL Server data in .NET Framework applications. Here are just a few reasons why you might consider using CLR Types:

1. Access to SQL Server-specific data types: CLR Types allow you to work with SQL Server-specific data types, such as geography and geometry, in a type-safe manner.
2. Improved performance: CLR Types allow you to perform calculations and manipulations on SQL Server data at the server level, which can improve performance compared to performing these operations in your application.
3. Tighter integration between your application and SQL Server: Because CLR Types are part of the .NET Framework, you can use them to create stored procedures, triggers, and user-defined functions that run within the SQL Server process.

How to Install CLR Types

Before you can use CLR Types in your .NET Framework application, you need to install them on your computer. Here’s how:

1. Download the SQL Server feature pack from the Microsoft Download Center.
2. Run the SQLSysClrTypes.msi file to start the installation process.
3. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to complete the installation.

Once you’ve installed CLR Types, you’re ready to start using them in your applications!

Using CLR Types in Your Applications

Now that you’ve installed CLR Types, let’s take a look at how you can use them in your .NET Framework applications. Here are a few examples:

Example 1: Storing and Retrieving Geography Data

Suppose you have a table in your SQL Server database that stores location data in the geography data type. Here’s an example of how you can store and retrieve this data using CLR Types:

// C# code// Create a new geography objectSqlGeography location = SqlGeography.Point(37.7749, -122.4194, 4269);// Insert the object into the databaseusing (SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection("connection string")){SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand("INSERT INTO Locations (Location) VALUES (@Location)", conn);cmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("@Location", location);conn.Open();cmd.ExecuteNonQuery();}// Retrieve the object from the databaseusing (SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection("connection string")){SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand("SELECT TOP 1 Location FROM Locations", conn);conn.Open();SqlGeography result = (SqlGeography)cmd.ExecuteScalar();}

Example 2: Performing Calculations on Geometry Data

Suppose you have a table in your SQL Server database that stores shape data in the geometry data type. Here’s an example of how you can perform calculations on this data using CLR Types:

// C# code// Create two new geometry objectsSqlGeometry square = SqlGeometry.STGeomFromText(new SqlChars("POLYGON((0 0, 0 1, 1 1, 1 0, 0 0))"), 0);SqlGeometry circle = SqlGeometry.STGeomFromText(new SqlChars("CIRCULARSTRING(1 0, 0.866 0.5, 0.5 0.866, 0 1, -0.5 0.866, -0.866 0.5, -1 0, -0.866 -0.5, -0.5 -0.866, 0 -1, 0.5 -0.866, 0.866 -0.5, 1 0)"), 0);// Perform calculations on the objectsSqlGeometry intersection = square.STIntersection(circle);SqlGeometry buffer = circle.STBuffer(0.1);// Convert the results to WKT formatstring intersectionWkt = intersection.STAsText().ToString();string bufferWkt = buffer.STAsText().ToString();

Frequently Asked Questions about CLR Types

Q: Do I need to install CLR Types on my SQL Server instance?

A: No, CLR Types are installed as part of the SQL Server feature pack and do not need to be installed on your SQL Server instance. However, you do need to install them on any computer where you plan to use them in your .NET Framework application.

Q: Are CLR Types supported in SQL Server 2016 and later versions?

A: Yes, CLR Types are supported in all versions of SQL Server since SQL Server 2005.

Q: Can I use CLR Types to create user-defined functions and stored procedures?

A: Yes, CLR Types allow you to create user-defined functions and stored procedures that run within the SQL Server process. This can provide tighter integration between your application and SQL Server, which can improve performance.

Q: Can I use CLR Types in Entity Framework?

A: Yes, Entity Framework supports CLR Types starting from version 6.1. You can use CLR Types to map SQL Server-specific data types to .NET Framework data types in your Entity Framework model.

Q: Are there any performance considerations when using CLR Types?

A: Yes, using CLR Types can have a performance impact on your application. Because CLR Types allow you to perform calculations and manipulations on SQL Server data at the server level, they can improve performance compared to performing these operations in your application. However, if you use CLR Types excessively or inappropriately, you may experience decreased performance.

Q: Are CLR Types compatible with other database systems?

A: No, CLR Types are a proprietary technology developed by Microsoft and are only compatible with SQL Server.

Conclusion

CLR Types are a powerful tool for developers who work with SQL Server data in .NET Framework applications. They provide access to SQL Server-specific data types, improve performance, and allow tighter integration between your application and SQL Server. By following the guidelines we’ve laid out in this article, you’ll be well on your way to using CLR Types to enhance your SQL Server experience.