”;
This chapter introduces SQL Server, discusses its usage, advantages, versions, and components.
What is SQL Server?
-
It is a software, developed by Microsoft, which is implemented from the specification of RDBMS.
-
It is also an ORDBMS.
-
It is platform dependent.
-
It is both GUI and command based software.
-
It supports SQL (SEQUEL) language which is an IBM product, non-procedural, common database and case insensitive language.
Usage of SQL Server
- To create databases.
- To maintain databases.
- To analyze the data through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
- To generate reports through SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
- To carry out ETL operations through SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).
Versions of SQL Server
| Version | Year | Code Name |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 1995 | SQL95 |
| 6.5 | 1996 | Hydra |
| 7.0 | 1998 | Sphinx |
| 8.0 (2000) | 2000 | Shiloh |
| 9.0 (2005) | 2005 | Yukon |
| 10.0 (2008) | 2008 | Katmai |
| 10.5 (2008 R2) | 2010 | Kilimanjaro |
| 11.0 (2012) | 2012 | Denali |
| 12 (2014) | 2014 | Hekaton (initially), SQL 14 (current) |
SQL Server Components
SQL Server works in client-server architecture, hence it supports two types of components − (a) Workstation and (b) Server.
-
Workstation components are installed in every device/SQL Server operator’s machine. These are just interfaces to interact with Server components. Example: SSMS, SSCM, Profiler, BIDS, SQLEM etc.
-
Server components are installed in centralized server. These are services. Example: SQL Server, SQL Server Agent, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, SQL browser, SQL Server full text search etc.
Instance of SQL Server
- An instance is an installation of SQL Server.
- An instance is an exact copy of the same software.
- If we install ”n” times, then ”n” instances will be created.
- There are two types of instances in SQL Server a) Default b) Named.
- Only one default instance will be supported in one Server.
- Multiple named instances will be supported in one Server.
- Default instance will take the server name as Instance name.
- Default instance service name is MSSQLSERVER.
- 16 instances will be supported in 2000 version.
- 50 instances will supported in 2005 and later versions.
Advantages of Instances
- To install different versions in one machine.
- To reduce cost.
- To maintain production, development, and test environments separately.
- To reduce temporary database problems.
- To separate security privileges.
- To maintain standby server.
”;