Overshadowed, possibly, by the release of the new iPad? Not in the world of databases. Yesterday Microsoft officially released SQL Server 2012 “release to manufacturing” (RTM) which means we’re officially out of pre-release editions!
Previously codenamed ‘Denali’, the new version brings to the table some serious changes, some of which have already been documented elsewhere. If you’re keen to jump right in, here’s a link to the Evaluation version (released 06/03/2012 – RTM). Those with MSDN accounts should be able to download from the MSDN Subscriptions site.
For those who want something a little less heavy, SQL Server 2012 has been shipped in the Express Edition form, an amazing deal for those looking for Enterprise performance and features, but who can’t afford the full blown solution.
ZDNet has some coverage on the launch here, and some more details around the 2012 Edition can be found here. Of interest (particularly to me) is the integration with Apache Hadoop, which I’ve previously started to research (notes here).
If you are curious about what to expect in SQL Server 2012, a trip to the “What’s New?” page might satisfy – http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/3783.what-s-new-in-sql-server-2012.aspx
As soon as I can, I’ll post another article with some info as I put the new edition through its paces. I’m excited about some of the interop potential, plus the opportunity to take the updated Master Data Services (new in the previous edition) and the new Data Quality Services for a spin.
Here’s some snippets I’m interested in, from the TechNet site:
New: to SQL Server 2012
Introducing Data Quality Services
SQL Server 2012
The data-quality solution provided by Data Quality Services (DQS) enables a data steward or IT professional to maintain the quality of their data and ensure that the data is suited for its business usage. DQS is a knowledge-driven solution that provides both computer-assisted and interactive ways to manage the integrity and quality of your data sources. DQS enables you to discover, build, and manage knowledge about your data. You can then use that knowledge to perform data cleansing, matching, and profiling. You can also leverage the cloud-based services of reference data providers in a DQS data-quality project.
Enhancement: Programming Changes
14 New Functions and 1 Changed Function
SQL Server 2012 introduces 14 new built-in functions. These functions ease the path of migration for information workers by emulating functionality that is found in the expression languages of many desktop applications. However these functions will also be useful to experienced users of SQL Server.
The new functions are:
Conversion functions
Date and time functions
Logical functions
String functions
In addition to the 14 new functions, one existing function has been changed. The existing LOG (Transact-SQL) function now has an optional second base parameter.
Enhancement:
SQL Server Express LocalDB
SQL Server Express LocalDB SQL Server Express LocalDB is a new lightweight edition of Express that has all its programmability features, yet runs in user mode and has a fast, zero-configuration installation and short list of pre-requisites. The LocalDB edition of SQL Server is targeted to program developers. LocalDB installation copies a minimal set of files necessary to start the SQL Server Database Engine.
Once LocalDB is installed, developers initiate a connection by using a special connection string. When connecting, the necessary infrastructure is automatically created and started, enabling the application to use the database without complex or time consuming configuration tasks.
Developer Tools can provide developers with a SQL Server Database Engine that lets them write and test Transact-SQL code without having to manage a full server instance of SQL Server. An instance of SQL Server Express LocalDB can be managed by using the SqlLocalDB.exe utility. SQL Server Express LocalDB should be used in place of the SQL Server Express user instance feature which is deprecated. For more information, see SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB.
Enhancements: SQL Server Management Studio
SQL Server Management Studio introduces the following features in SQL Server 2012:
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SQL Server Management Studio supports two keyboard shortcut schemes. The new default keyboard shortcuts are based on the Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 keyboard shortcuts. You can also configure Management Studio to use the keyboard shortcuts from SQL Server 2008 R2. SQL Server 2012 no longer includes the SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Manager shortcuts. For more information, see SQL Server Management Studio Keyboard Shortcuts.
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The Database Engine Query Editor introduces enhanced functionality for Transact-SQL debugging and IntelliSense.
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The Transact-SQL debugger introduces the following new features:
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You can now debug Transact-SQL scripts running on instances of SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later.
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Transact-SQL breakpoints now support the following functionality:
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A breakpoint condition is a Transact-SQL expression whose evaluation determines whether the breakpoint is invoked. For more information, see Specify a Breakpoint Condition.
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A breakpoint hit count specifies the number of times a breakpoint is encountered before it is invoked. For more information, see Specify a Hit Count.
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A breakpoint filter limits the breakpoint to operating only on specified computers, processes, or threads. For more information, see Specify a Breakpoint Filter.
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A breakpoint action specifies a custom task that is performed when the breakpoint is invoked. For more information, see Specify a Breakpoint Action.
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You can edit a breakpoint location to move a breakpoint from one Transact-SQL statement to another. For more information, See Edit a Breakpoint Location.
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The Watch window and Quick Watch now support watching Transact-SQL expressions. For more information, see Transact-SQL Debugger Information.
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When you move the cursor over a Transact-SQL identifier, a Quick Info pop up displays the name of the expression and its current value. For more information, see Transact-SQL Debugger Information.
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Transact-SQL IntelliSense introduces the following new features:
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Breakpoint validation prevents setting a breakpoint in an invalid location.
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Transact-SQL code snippets are templates you can use as starting points when building Transact-SQL statements in batches and scripts. For more information, see Insert Transact-SQL Snippets.
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Transact-SQL Surround with snippets are templates you can use as staring points when enclosing sets of Transact-SQL statements in a BEGIN, IF, or WHILE block. For more information, see Insert Surround-with Transact-SQL snippets.
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Many known database restore issues and enhancements requested by customers have been addressed. The major enhancements include:
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The algorithm used to construct restore plans has improved significantly and a lot of edge cases, including forking scenarios, are dealt with more efficiently than in previous versions of SQL Server.
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Point-in-time restore has been improved by the addition of a visual timeline that allows you to identify a feasible point in time as a target time for a database restore operation. When you select a point in time, a restore plan that includes setting relevant restore operations is automatically generated. For more information, see Restore a Database Backup (SQL Server Management Studio).
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The new Page Restore dialog enables you to check database pages for corruption and to restore selected corrupt pages from a database backup and subsequent log backups. For information about page restore, see Restore Pages (SQL Server).
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There’s so much more.. check it out today.
