FRONT-END TOOLS FOR THE DATABASE ENGINE

 

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Azure Data Studio are two front-end tools for the Database Engine that are introduced in this chapter. The two SSMS components, Registered Servers and Object Explorer, as well as the numerous SSMS user interface panes, are first covered in this chapter. The SSMS operations connected to the Database Engine are then covered. Also discussed in relation to authoring activities in SSMS are the Query Editor and Solution Explorer.

 

To assist DBAs and users who don't utilise Windows as the platform for the Database Engine, Azure Data Studio has been created. You can manage the instances of your database system and access data from pre-existing databases using Azure Data Studio. There are fewer components available in this component than in SSMS. At the conclusion of the chapter, a comparison of the features of the two front-end tools is provided.

SQL Server Management Studio

For diverse tasks such system installation, configuration, auditing, and performance tweaking, the Database Engine offers a variety of tools. (This book's next chapters will explore each of these technologies.) SQL Server Management Studio is the administrator's main tool for working with the system on Windows systems. Among other things, SSMS can be used by both administrators and end users to manage numerous servers, create databases, and replicate data.

 

The SQL Server Management Studio installation process is simple. Visit www.microsoft.com, click the magnifying glass symbol in the top-right corner, type "SSMS" into the search bar, then press "Enter." The Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) link will appear in the search results. Verify that your computer is running a supported version of Windows on the page that appears, and then click the Download SQL Server Management Studio link to access the most recent SSMS version (18.1 at the time of writing). Once it has downloaded, run the associated.exe file, click Install, and then wait for the installation to finish.

 

Simply click the matching icon to launch SQL Server Management Studio, or click Start and enter Management Studio into Windows Desktop Search. The total system is written, administered, and managed using a variety of components that make up SQL Server Management Studio.

 

The following are the main components used for these tasks:

• Registered Servers

• Object Explorer

• Query Editor

• Solution Explorer

• Data Discovery and Classification

 

The first two components in the list are discussed in this section. The latter three components are explained later in this chapter in “Authoring Activities Using SQL Server Management Studio.”              

To get to the main SQL Server Management Studio interface, you first must connect to a server, as described next.

Connecting to a Server

The Connect to Server dialogue box, which is displayed when SQL Server Management Studio is launched and allows you to enter the connection information for a server, is displayed:

•       Server Type:-  For purposes of this chapter, choose Database Engine.

·       Server Name:- The server name you want to use can be selected or typed. (In general, SQL Server Management Studio can be linked to any installed products on a given server.)

·       Authentication:- Starting with SQL Server Management Studio 17.2, the Connect to Server dialog box supports an extra three authentication methods that are used to connect to Azure SQL Database and Data Warehouse instances. The supported authentication methods are listed here:

·       Windows Authentication: - You connect to the Database Engine using your Windows account. This option is recommended by Microsoft.

·       SQL Server Authentication: - The Database Engine uses its own authentication.

·       Active Directory – Universal with MFA support: -This is an interactive authentication method that supports Azure Multi-Factor Authentication, which provides strong authentication with a range of easy verification options you can choose from.

·       Active Directory – Password and Active Directory – Integrated:- These are non[1]interactive authentication methods supported by Azure Active Directory Authentication and can be used in many applications such as the ODBC and JDBC.

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History Of SQL Server

 

One of the best database management systems in the world is Microsoft SQL Server. It's widely utilised and continually getting better. But do you understand how it was made?

I'll outline the development of MS SQL Server, a product that revolutionised the database industry, in this essay. The steps of MS SQL Server development will be discussed, along with how the current version differs from the original and resources for learning or practising SQL Server.

If you're starting (or continuing) your journey with MS SQL Server, it's important to understand where it all began.

How Does MS SQL Server Work?

Relational database management system (RDBMS) Microsoft SQL Server has a long history and has undergone numerous modifications throughout the years. Since SQL Server versions 1996 and 1999 are not regarded as full versions, the current version, 15.0, is actually the 17th.

 

Since MS SQL was first released in 1989, it has taken 32 years for MS SQL Server to evolve (and counting). Despite what you may believe, SQL Server is still one of the most widely used and well maintained RDBMSs on the market.

You don't need to be reminded that SQL Server is excellent software because it has been used extensively for so long. The quantity of job vacancies that require knowledge of MS SQL Server and the numbers speak for themselves. If database management or any occupation involving data interests you, learning MS SQL is a good idea. It can be challenging to work with data without MS SQL Server. It is an established product with a developed market position. And the biggest businesses in the world utilise it!

The fact that SQL Server was created by Microsoft is one factor in its popularity. Microsoft was already a major player in the technology world while MS SQL Server was under development. It's not surprise that MS SQL Server became such a well-liked method of data storage because it is a promising and significantly more configurable tool. Even with a lot of data, handling it was simple and effective.

Different editions of SQL Server are available today to meet various purposes (e.g. on cloud, on premises, for developers, or for small projects). A few of the editions are free. As befits an IT behemoth, Microsoft offers excellent customer care and can help you select the best edition for your requirements.

What Distinguishes SQL Server from Other DBMSs?

MS SQL Server faces competition from other DMSs (DBMSs). The numerous tools and programmes that make working with data easier are what set SQL Server apart. Due to its comprehensive GUI (graphical user interface), working with the database is simple and intuitive, and you can also generate statistics for reports.

Because SQL Server was designed, distributed, and produced by Microsoft, it has some of the greatest customer service available. It offers very competent customer service. You may rely on support for any difficult problems you encounter. Another major benefit is the server's international user community, where you can look for solutions to real-world issues.

T-SQL is the database's primary language of communication while working with MS SQL Server (transactional SQL). This language differs slightly from regular SQL in that it contains a few extra phrases and makes a few minor grammar adjustments. If you are familiar with normal SQL, you won't have any trouble learning T-SQL; for small variations, you can always consult SQL Server's documentation.

The Evolution and History of MS SQL Server

The introduction of MS SQL Server was meant to permanently alter database administration solutions. Its growth was continuously encouraged. Microsoft was a symbol of progress, reliability, and innovation at the time. All of this contributed to SQL Server's extremely favourable reception.

 

When Microsoft teamed up with Sybase and Ashton-Tate in 1988, MS SQL Server first began to take shape. The objective was to create database management and creation tools that would spark interest in Microsoft's commercial database sector.

In 1989, SQL Server 1.0 was released. At that time, databases were created using the System Administrator Facility (SAF). Users could perform SQL queries and set parameters, but there was no documentation. Sybase wrote the original Microsoft code.

In 1993, version 4.2 made its debut. The Windows graphical user interface was first introduced in this version of MS SQL Server. Version 4.2 wasn't preceded by 2.x or 3.x versions for unknown reasons, likely for the same reason that Windows 7 came out after Windows Vista. The fact that SQL Server 4.2 supported Windows NT and OS/2 marked a substantial improvement over its forerunner (IBM-Microsoft OS). After splitting up later that year, Sybase and Microsoft have independently pursued their own product and marketing ideas ever since. In order to avoid any doubt regarding the manufacturer, Microsoft obtained exclusive rights to all editions of SQL Server created for them.

In 1995, SQL Server 6.0, also referred to as SQL95, was made available. It was a highly new and cutting-edge product that offered replication—a brand-new, crucial feature.

The majority of the code for SQL Server 7.0 (1998) was rewritten for an earlier engine developed by Sybase, which Microsoft acquired from them in order to have complete control over the product. New tools like Query Analyzer, which could immediately provide thorough information about SQL Server's processor, were part of this release. The development of tables and indexes, replication, backup scheduling, etc. was simple and entertaining thanks to a new graphical user interface and administrative wizards. Since Microsoft first entered the corporate database market, this version of SQL Server has been the most significant. 

It was designed to be more adaptable, significantly more effective, and simpler to operate. SQL OLAP Services were also introduced by SQL Server 7.0. (which became Analysis Services in the next version).

Even additional updates to the code base and adjustments were added to SQL Server 2000 version 8.0. This version boasted enhanced efficiency and added T-SQL additions for increased functionality, such as table variables, indexed views, triggers, or user-defined functions. This version also added support for XML and HTTP, performance and accessibility improvements for loading partitions, and enhanced administration options for automating database tasks.

Along with relational data processing, SQL Server 2005 9.0 ("Yukon") introduced native support for XML data management. Additionally, it allowed for TDS-based provisioning of the database server over the Internet (Tabular Data Stream). When compared to the original MS SQL Server version, this edition's security was much strengthened; it can be regarded as ultra-technological.

Backup compression and change data capture, two new features of SQL Server 2008 10.0, were included (CDC). It permitted the storage of a variety of data kinds, including documents, XML files, calendars, and email. Working with data is now lot simpler and more logical because to Microsoft's continued software performance improvements and database administration simplification.

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