Hello Dev, if you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a comprehensive guide on the SQL server versions list. You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through the various versions of SQL server, what each version brings to the table, and help you choose the best version for your needs.
Introduction to SQL Server Versions
SQL Server is a popular relational database management system developed by Microsoft. It provides a robust set of features for managing data and has evolved over the years with regular updates and releases. SQL Server versions are released every few years, and each new version brings with it new features and capabilities.
In this guide, we’ll cover SQL Server versions from the early days of SQL Server 4.2 to the latest version, SQL Server 2019. We’ll also discuss some of the key features that each version brings, along with their system requirements.
SQL Server 4.2 and Earlier Versions
SQL Server 4.2 was the first version of SQL Server released by Microsoft in 1992. It was designed for client-server computing and provided support for ANSI SQL Standard. SQL Server 4.2 was succeeded by SQL Server 6.0 and 6.5 versions. However, these early versions are no longer supported, and it’s recommended to upgrade to newer versions.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is SQL Server 4.2 still supported? | No, SQL Server 4.2 and earlier versions are no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| What was the main feature of SQL Server 4.2? | SQL Server 4.2 provided support for ANSI SQL Standard and was designed for client-server computing. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 4.2? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 6.0 and 6.5
SQL Server 6.0 was released in 1995 and was a major upgrade from the previous versions, providing support for distributed transaction processing, stored procedures, and triggers. SQL Server 6.5 was released in 1996, and it introduced new features like support for views and online backup.
SQL Server 6.0 and 6.5 are no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using these versions, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 6.0 and 6.5? | SQL Server 6.0 provided support for distributed transaction processing, stored procedures, and triggers. SQL Server 6.5 introduced support for views and online backup. |
| Are SQL Server 6.0 and 6.5 still supported? | No, SQL Server 6.0 and 6.5 are no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 6.0 or 6.5? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 7.0
SQL Server 7.0 was released in 1998 and was a major upgrade from the previous versions. It introduced a number of new features, including support for OLAP, data transformation services, and indexed views. SQL Server 7.0 was also the first version to provide support for XML data.
SQL Server 7.0 is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using this version, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 7.0? | SQL Server 7.0 introduced support for OLAP, data transformation services, indexed views, and XML data. |
| Is SQL Server 7.0 still supported? | No, SQL Server 7.0 is no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 7.0? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2000
SQL Server 2000 was released in 2000 and was a major upgrade from the previous versions. It introduced support for distributed partitioned views, DDL triggers, and indexed views. SQL Server 2000 also provided improved query processing and optimization, as well as improved manageability.
SQL Server 2000 is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using this version, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2000? | SQL Server 2000 introduced support for distributed partitioned views, DDL triggers, indexed views, improved query processing, and optimization. |
| Is SQL Server 2000 still supported? | No, SQL Server 2000 is no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 2000? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2005 was released in 2005 and introduced a number of new features, including support for native XML data, CLR integration, and database mirroring. SQL Server 2005 also provided improved performance and scalability, as well as enhanced security features.
SQL Server 2005 is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using this version, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2005? | SQL Server 2005 introduced support for native XML data, CLR integration, database mirroring, and improved performance, scalability, and security features. |
| Is SQL Server 2005 still supported? | No, SQL Server 2005 is no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 2005? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2
SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 were released in 2008 and 2010, respectively. These versions introduced a number of new features, including support for spatial and hierarchical data, transparent data encryption, and compression. They also provided improved performance, scalability, and manageability features.
SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 are no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using these versions, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2? | SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 introduced support for spatial and hierarchical data, transparent data encryption, compression, and improved performance, scalability, and manageability features. |
| Are SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 still supported? | No, SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 are no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 2008 or 2008 R2? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2012
SQL Server 2012 was released in 2012 and introduced a number of new features, including support for columnstore indexes, contained databases, and AlwaysOn availability groups. SQL Server 2012 also provided enhanced support for cloud computing and improved manageability features.
SQL Server 2012 is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using this version, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2012? | SQL Server 2012 introduced support for columnstore indexes, contained databases, AlwaysOn availability groups, enhanced cloud support, and improved manageability features. |
| Is SQL Server 2012 still supported? | No, SQL Server 2012 is no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 2012? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2014
SQL Server 2014 was released in 2014 and introduced a number of new features, including support for in-memory OLTP, buffer pool extensions, and enhanced encryption features. SQL Server 2014 also provided improved performance and scalability, as well as enhanced manageability features.
SQL Server 2014 is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using this version, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2014? | SQL Server 2014 introduced support for in-memory OLTP, buffer pool extensions, enhanced encryption features, improved performance and scalability, and enhanced manageability features. |
| Is SQL Server 2014 still supported? | No, SQL Server 2014 is no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 2014? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2016
SQL Server 2016 was released in 2016 and introduced a number of new features, including support for JSON data, stretch database, and Always Encrypted. SQL Server 2016 also provided enhanced support for cloud computing and improved performance and scalability features.
SQL Server 2016 is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you’re currently using this version, we recommend upgrading to a newer version.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2016? | SQL Server 2016 introduced support for JSON data, stretch database, Always Encrypted, enhanced cloud support, and improved performance and scalability features. |
| Is SQL Server 2016 still supported? | No, SQL Server 2016 is no longer supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade from SQL Server 2016? | Yes, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2017
SQL Server 2017 was released in 2017 and introduced a number of new features, including support for graph data, adaptive query processing, and automatic database tuning. SQL Server 2017 also provided improved performance and scalability, as well as enhanced security features.
SQL Server 2017 is still supported by Microsoft, and if you’re currently using this version, we recommend staying up to date with the latest updates and patches.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2017? | SQL Server 2017 introduced support for graph data, adaptive query processing, automatic database tuning, improved performance and scalability, and enhanced security features. |
| Is SQL Server 2017 still supported? | Yes, SQL Server 2017 is still supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade to SQL Server 2017? | It depends on your needs, but if you’re currently using an older version, it’s recommended to upgrade for security and performance reasons. |
SQL Server 2019
SQL Server 2019 was released in 2019 and introduced a number of new features, including support for big data clusters, data virtualization, and intelligent query processing. SQL Server 2019 also provided improved performance and scalability, as well as enhanced security features.
SQL Server 2019 is still supported by Microsoft, and if you’re currently using this version, we recommend staying up to date with the latest updates and patches.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main features of SQL Server 2019? | SQL Server 2019 introduced support for big data clusters, data virtualization, intelligent query processing, improved performance and scalability, and enhanced security features. |
| Is SQL Server 2019 still supported? | Yes, SQL Server 2019 is still supported by Microsoft. |
| Should I upgrade to SQL Server 2019? | It depends on your needs, but if you’re currently using an older version, it’s recommended to upgrade for security and performance reasons. |
Choosing the Right SQL Server Version
Now that we’ve covered the various versions of SQL Server, you may be wondering which version is the best fit for your needs. The answer to that question will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your data, your performance requirements, and your budget.
If you’re currently using an older version of SQL Server, we recommend upgrading to a newer version for security and performance reasons. SQL Server 2017 and 2019 are the most recent versions, providing the latest features and capabilities.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do I choose the |