Everything You Need to Know About SQL Server 15

Welcome, Dev! In this article, we will explore the latest version of SQL Server, SQL Server 15. We will discuss its features, benefits and how it can improve your database management experience. Whether you are an experienced database administrator or just starting, this article will give you all the information you need to know about SQL Server 15.

Introduction to SQL Server 15

SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. SQL Server 15 is the latest version of this popular database management software, released in 2021. It comes with many new features and improvements that make it an excellent choice for modern data-driven applications. In this section, we will discuss some of the key features of SQL Server 15.

1. Improved Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are critical aspects of any enterprise database management system. SQL Server 15 comes with several enhancements that improve security and compliance. It includes features such as data classification, transparent data encryption, and always-on encryption that help you protect your data from unauthorized access.

In addition, SQL Server 15 also includes compliance features such as audited login, flexible auditing, and FIPS-certified cryptographic algorithms that help you meet regulatory requirements.

2. Performance Improvements

SQL Server 15 comes with several performance improvements that make it faster and more efficient than previous versions. It includes features such as adaptive query processing, intelligent performance, and enhanced performance monitoring that help you optimize your database performance.

Moreover, SQL Server 15 also includes enhancements to columnstore indexes, which provide faster data retrieval for data warehousing scenarios, and In-Memory OLTP, which improves performance for transaction processing.

3. Enhanced Availability and Scalability

SQL Server 15 provides enhanced availability and scalability features that help you achieve high availability and scalability for your database applications. It includes features such as automatic failover, intelligent load balancing, and online operations that help you reduce downtime and improve availability.

Furthermore, SQL Server 15 also includes enhancements to Always On Availability Groups, which provide faster synchronization and improved scalability for high availability scenarios.

4. Extended Data Types Support

SQL Server 15 provides extended support for data types, including JSON and graph types. It allows you to store and manipulate data in a more natural format, thus improving your application’s performance and reducing the complexity of your code.

5. Enhanced Developer Experience

SQL Server 15 comes with several improvements that enhance the developer experience. It includes features such as support for Big Data clusters, integration with Kubernetes, and enhanced support for DevOps that make it easier to develop, deploy, and manage your database applications.

In addition, SQL Server 15 also includes support for popular programming languages such as Python, R, and .NET, making it easier to integrate your database applications with other applications.

Installation and Configuration

Before you can start using SQL Server 15, you need to install and configure it. In this section, we will discuss the steps involved in installing and configuring SQL Server 15.

1. System Requirements

Before you begin installing SQL Server 15, you need to ensure that your system meets the minimum system requirements. SQL Server 15 requires a minimum of 2 GB of RAM, 6 GB of disk space, and a 64-bit processor architecture. It also requires Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 or later, or a Linux operating system.

2. Download and Install SQL Server 15

The first step in installing SQL Server 15 is to download the installation files from the Microsoft website. You can download the files using the web installer or an offline installer.

After you have downloaded the installation files, run the executable and follow the installation wizard to install SQL Server 15.

3. Configure SQL Server 15

Once you have installed SQL Server 15, you need to configure it to meet your specific requirements. Configuration involves setting up security, creating databases, and defining user roles and permissions.

You can configure SQL Server 15 using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), a graphical user interface tool that allows you to manage SQL Server databases. SSMS provides a wide range of features for managing databases, such as creating and modifying databases, managing security, and creating backups and restores.

SQL Server 15 FAQs

Conclusion

SQL Server 15 is a powerful database management system that provides many new features and improvements that make it an excellent choice for modern data-driven applications. Its improved security and compliance, performance improvements, enhanced availability and scalability, extended data types support, and enhanced developer experience make it a must-have for any enterprise database management system. With the steps outlined in this article, you can easily install and configure SQL Server 15 and start enjoying its many benefits.