Microsoft SQL Server 2019

Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 2019 is the most popular version of the renowned relational database management system created by Microsoft.

Originally designed in 1989, the latest generation of this database server can intelligently store and retrieve data requested by other software applications, with an incredible variety of tools and services that developers can use to tailor database use to their specific needs, from small single-machine app data management to managing large internet platforms serving millions of concurrent users. Download and install SQL Server 2019 on your Windows PC today!

SQL Server 2019 is the fifteenth edition of this database management software, released in November 2019 and scheduled to be supported until January 2030. Its release followed that of SQL 2016/17, which was only available for 64-bit CPUs (putting x86 support behind), and it also included support for ARM CPUs for the first time.

Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Standard Version introduces Big Data Clusters (a service that uses a scalable HDFS storage pool with data inputs from multiple external sources), an upgrade to the SQL Server database engine, SQL Server Analysis Services, SQL Server on Linux, SQL Server Master Data Services, and SQL Server Machine Learning Services. Microsoft developers also worked hard to improve security and stability features, making them even more robust against numerous vulnerabilities. Professional external observers currently assess SQL Server as the best secure database management software in the previous ten years.

Users may easily query encrypted databases like Oracle, MongoDB, and Cassandra without having to physically copy or relocate data. The whole bundle includes Azure Data Studio, Transparent Data Encryption, and Accelerated Database Recovery.

MS SQL Server Standard Edition 2019 is a pricey software package, but Microsoft provides a variety of purchasing alternatives, including FREE access to certified developers, lifetime purchases, per-core plans, and subscription tiers.

SQL Server Express is intended for the development and production of desktop, online, and small server applications only.

SQL Server Developer edition is intended for the development and testing of databases in a non-production environment only.

Features

Big Data Integration: One of the most notable characteristics is the easy integration with big data technology. It enables you to mix structured and unstructured data from a variety of sources, including Hadoop and Apache Spark, making it easier to extract insights from a diverse range of data types.

Enhanced Security: Security is critical in any database system. It adds several security features, including Always Encrypted with secure enclaves, to protect your data both at rest and in transit.

Performance enhancements: With an emphasis on performance, this edition incorporates Intelligent Query Processing, which improves query performance by responding to workload patterns and delivering improved indexing techniques.

Linux Support: The server now supports Linux systems, giving you more options for picking your favorite operating system.

Containers: SQL Server can now be operated within containers, making it easier to deploy and manage database instances in a containerized environment.

Machine Learning Services: It blends Python and R for in-database analytics, allowing data scientists and analysts to create and deploy machine learning models directly in the database.

High Availability: It provides high availability with features such as Always On Availability Groups and automated failover.

Data Virtualization: It allows you to query data from multiple sources as if they were part of the same database.

User Interface

SQL Server is primarily used with a management studio, which provides a user-friendly interface for database administrators, developers, and analysts. The interface is well-organized, with a navigation pane to the left and a central workspace for query authoring and execution, database management, and server configuration. It provides a combination of graphical tools and a SQL code editor, making it suitable for both new and expert users.

Installation & Setup

Installing the server can be a simple task. Microsoft provides extensive installation manuals, and the installer includes step-by-step instructions. Installation options include solo, clustered, and high-availability groups. Before installing SQL Server, make sure your system satisfies the hardware and software requirements, as it might be resource-intensive.

How To Use

Database Creation: Begin by establishing a new database or importing an existing one.

Data manipulation includes inserting, updating, deleting, and querying data using SQL commands. SQL Server Management Studio includes a Query Editor for this purpose.

Security: Set up user roles and permissions to control access to your databases.

Backup and Restore: Back up your databases regularly to avoid data loss, and restore them as needed.

Monitoring and Optimization: Use the built-in performance monitoring tools to detect and fix bottlenecks.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows, Linux, or macOS
• CPU: 1.4 GHz or faster processor
• RAM: 512 MB minimum (more recommended)
• Storage: At least 6 GB of available hard disk space
• .NET Framework: .NET Framework 4.6.2 or higher

Detailed requirements can be found in Microsoft's documentation.

PROS

• Powerful data management and analytics capabilities.
• Enhanced security features.
• Integration with big data technologies.
• Cross-platform support.
• Extensive community and support resources.

CONS

• Licensing costs can be high for certain editions.
• Complex for beginners without prior database experience.

Conclusion

Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is a feature-rich and versatile RDBMS that meets a wide range of data management requirements. Its integration with big data, improved security, and cross-platform support make it a formidable competitor in the database management field. However, businesses should carefully assess their needs and budget before selecting the appropriate edition and licensing strategy. Overall, MySQL remains a popular choice for enterprises looking for a dependable and scalable database solution.

FAQs

Q. Is SQL Server 2019 available for free?
It has multiple editions, including a free Express edition with limited features. However, more advanced editions come with licensing fees.

Q. Can I upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server to 2019?
Yes, it provides tools and documentation to help you upgrade from older versions to 2019.

Q. What is the difference between SQL Server and Azure SQL Database?
SQL Server is an on-premises or cloud-hosted RDBMS, while Azure SQL Database is a fully managed cloud database service. Both are based on the same SQL Server engine but differ in management and scalability.

Q. Does SQL Server 2019 support cross-platform development?
Yes, it supports development on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Q. Can I use SQL Server 2019 for data warehousing?
Yes, it offers features like column-store indexes and PolyBase, making it suitable for data warehousing scenarios.