SQL Server 2017 (also known as SQL Server vNext) and the new Azure SQL Database are finally here and they are generally available! In subsequent articles we will analytically examine every new feature using many examples.
SQL Server 2017 (and later) Now Also Supports Running on Linux and Docker Containers!
In this post, we will talk about SQL Server 2017 Database Engine. We will quickly go through the main exciting new features and improvements in order to get the big picture of how SQL Server evolved when it comes to the Database Engine.
However, before we start talking about the Database Engine, let’s first realize the huge change: SQL Server 2017 can run on Windows, Linux and Docker Containers!
New and Enhanced Features in SQL Servers 2017 Database Engine
Now that the above is clear, let’s see the list of the main new features and improvements in SQL Server 2017 Database Engine:
Adaptive query processing: With adaptive query processing, SQL Server Database Engine adopts optimization strategies during the execution of your workload by taking into consideration the runtime conditions. Adaptive query processing features currently available are: batch mode adaptive joins, batch mode memory grant feedback, and interleaved execution for multi-statement table valued functions.
Automatic tuning: It is a mechanism which notifies you about potential performance issues, suggests solutions and lets you apply corrective actions or lets the Database Engine to automatically fix the detected performance problems.
Cross-Database Transactions now supported in Always On Availability Groups: Ever wanted to use Always On Availability Groups but hesitated as you didn’t know how to handle systems with more than one databases which made use of cross-database transactions? This is not a problem anymore as SQL Server 2017 supports cross-database transactions for availability groups within the same SQL Server instance.
Additional Availability Groups functionality: Clusterless support, minimum replica commit Availability Groups setting, and Windows-Linux cross-OS migrations and testing.
Resumable online index rebuild: You can resume a paused online index rebuild operation or pause it in order to later resume it.
In-Memory OLTP Enhancements:
Support for computed columns in memory-optimized tables
Full support for JSON functions in natively compiled stored procedures
Support for the CROSS APPLY operator in natively compiled modules
Elimination of the 8-index limitation for memory-optimized tables
sp_rename is now supported for memory-optimized tables and natively-compiled T-SQL modules
CASE and TOP (N) WITH TIES are supported in natively-compiled T-SQL modules
Support for backing up, storing and restoring memory-optimized filegroup files in Azure storage.
CLR assemblies enhancements: Ever wanted to extend your SQL Server’s functionality using CLR assemblies but along with that wanted to have more control over the security aspect of this? In SQL Server 2017 you can set trusted assemblies by adding them to whitelists. Related new sp_configure option: ‘clr strict security’.
IDENTITY_CACHE option: By turning this setting to ON, you can avoid gaps in identity columns in cases of unexpected SQL Server restarts or failovers.
This post was just a summary on what’s new in SQL Server 2017 Database Engine along with adding short descriptions for the nee features and enhancements. As mentioned in the beginning of the post, in subsequent articles we will analytically examine every new feature and enhancement, not only for the Database Engine but also for all the other components of SQL Server 2017.
Artemakis Artemiou is a seasoned Senior Database and AI/Automation Architect with over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Database, Cloud, and AI professional, he has been recognized as a thought leader, earning the prestigious Microsoft Data Platform MVP title for nine consecutive years (2009-2018). Driven by a passion for simplifying complex topics, Artemakis shares his expertise through articles, online courses, and speaking engagements. He empowers professionals around the globe to excel in Databases, Cloud, AI, Automation, and Software Development. Committed to innovation and education, Artemakis strives to make technology accessible and impactful for everyone.
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