What is SQL Server?
SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft, designed to store, manage, and retrieve data efficiently. It uses Structured Query Language (SQL) to perform operations like querying, updating, and managing databases. SQL Server is widely used in enterprise environments for handling large-scale data operations, analytics, and reporting.
🧩 Key Features of SQL Server:
- Relational Database Management: Organizes data into tables with rows and columns.
- T-SQL (Transact-SQL): An extended version of SQL with additional programming constructs like variables, loops, and error handling.
- Stored Procedures & Functions: Predefined queries for automating tasks.
- Triggers: Automated responses to database events.
- Views: Virtual tables created from query results.
- Indexes: Speed up data retrieval operations.
- Backup and Recovery: Ensures data protection and disaster recovery.
- Security: Offers encryption, authentication, and authorization features.
🛠️ SQL Server Editions:
- 🏢 Enterprise Edition: Full features for large organizations with high workloads.
- 🏬 Standard Edition: Core features for medium-sized businesses.
- 🛎️ Express Edition: Free, lightweight version for small-scale applications.
- 💻 Developer Edition: Full features for development and testing (free).
- 🌐 Azure SQL Database: Cloud-based version of SQL Server.