Hi Dev, welcome to this comprehensive guide on SQL Server 2021. In this article, we will explore everything about SQL Server 2021, from its features to installation, configuration, and best practices. Let’s dive in!
What is SQL Server 2021?
SQL Server 2021 is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It allows you to store and retrieve data efficiently, ensures data integrity, and provides advanced security features. SQL Server 2021 comes with various new features and improvements that make it faster, more reliable, and scalable. Let’s take a look at some of the new features.
New Features and Improvements in SQL Server 2021
SQL Server 2021 comes with a host of new features and improvements that make it the best version yet. Here are some of the major changes:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Accelerated Database Recovery |
Reduces database recovery time from minutes to seconds |
Intelligent query processing |
Improves query performance and reduces resource consumption |
Enhanced security features |
Includes features such as Always Encrypted with secure enclaves |
Big Data Clusters |
Integrates Apache Spark and Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) |
Improved indexing |
Includes features such as row-level security, graph data, and temporal tables |
These new features make SQL Server 2021 a powerful and efficient RDBMS. Let’s explore them in more detail.
Accelerated Database Recovery
One of the significant improvements in SQL Server 2021 is Accelerated Database Recovery (ADR). ADR significantly reduces database recovery time in the event of a crash.
Traditionally, when a database crashes, SQL Server has to roll back all uncommitted transactions, which can take a considerable amount of time. ADR eliminates this problem by rolling back only the specific transactions that caused the crash, allowing the database to recover in seconds instead of minutes.
ADR is enabled by default in SQL Server 2021, making it a significant improvement over previous versions.
Intelligent Query Processing
Intelligent query processing is another new feature in SQL Server 2021 that improves query performance and reduces resource consumption. It includes various techniques such as batch mode adaptive joins, batch mode memory grant feedback, and scalar UDF inlining.
These techniques speed up query execution and reduce the amount of memory required to run the query. This is especially important for large databases with complex queries.
Enhanced Security Features
Security is always a top priority for any database management system. SQL Server 2021 includes several new features that improve security, such as Always Encrypted with secure enclaves.
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves provides an additional layer of security by protecting sensitive data even from administrators who have access to the database. This feature uses Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX) to encrypt data inside a secure enclave that only authorized applications can access.
Big Data Clusters
Big Data Clusters is a new feature in SQL Server 2021 that allows you to deploy big data workloads on SQL Server. It integrates Apache Spark and Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) with SQL Server.
This feature enables you to run big data workloads and perform analytics on data stored in SQL Server and HDFS. It also allows you to run machine learning models using Apache Spark or Python.
Improved Indexing
SQL Server 2021 includes various new indexing features that make it easier to manage large databases. These features include row-level security, graph data, and temporal tables.
Row-level security allows you to restrict data access based on specific user roles or permissions. Graph data allows you to model complex relationships between data, while temporal tables allow you to track data changes over time.
Installation and Configuration
Installing SQL Server 2021 is a straightforward process. You can download the installer from the Microsoft website and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. The installer will guide you through the configuration process, including setting up a default instance and configuring server-level options.
Once the installation is complete, you can use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to manage your databases. SSMS provides a graphical interface for managing databases and executing queries.
Best Practices for SQL Server 2021
Here are some best practices for using SQL Server 2021:
1. Optimize your queries
Optimizing your queries is critical for achieving optimal performance. Use index and query optimization techniques to speed up query execution and reduce resource consumption.
2. Monitor your database regularly
Regular monitoring of your database can help you identify issues early and prevent downtime. Use tools like SQL Server Management Studio and SQL Server Profiler to monitor performance and diagnose issues.
3. Use advanced security features
SQL Server 2021 includes several advanced security features, such as Always Encrypted with secure enclaves. Use these features to protect your data from unauthorized access.
4. Backup your databases regularly
Regular backups are essential for protecting your data in the event of a disaster. Use SQL Server’s built-in backup and restore features to create regular backups of your databases.
5. Keep your server up-to-date
Make sure to install the latest updates and patches for SQL Server 2021 to ensure optimal performance and security.
FAQ
1. Is SQL Server 2021 compatible with previous versions?
Yes, SQL Server 2021 is backward compatible with previous versions of SQL Server. You can migrate your databases to SQL Server 2021 from earlier versions using the upgrade process.
2. How much does SQL Server 2021 cost?
SQL Server 2021 has various editions with different pricing options, ranging from free to enterprise-level licenses. The pricing depends on the edition and the number of cores used.
3. Does SQL Server 2021 support Linux?
Yes, SQL Server 2021 supports Linux, allowing you to run SQL Server on Linux-based servers as well as Windows-based servers.
4. Can I use SQL Server 2021 in the cloud?
Yes, SQL Server 2021 can be used in the cloud. Microsoft offers a cloud-based version of SQL Server called Azure SQL Database that provides scalable, cloud-based database management.
5. What is the maximum database size supported by SQL Server 2021?
The maximum database size supported by SQL Server 2021 depends on the edition and licensing. The Enterprise edition supports up to 524 petabytes, while the Standard edition supports up to 524 terabytes.
Conclusion
SQL Server 2021 is a powerful and efficient RDBMS that comes with various new features and improvements. With its enhanced security features, improved indexing, and faster database recovery time, SQL Server 2021 is an excellent choice for managing large databases.
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of SQL Server 2021 and its capabilities. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.