Introduction
If you are looking for a reliable and robust relational database management system for your data-driven applications, you might want to consider SQL Server 2017. SQL Server 2017 is the latest version of Microsoft's flagship database product, which has been in the market since 1989. SQL Server 2017 offers many new and improved features that can help you store, process, analyze, and secure your data efficiently and effectively.
However, before you decide to download and install SQL Server 2017, you should be aware of its editions, installation requirements, benefits, and drawbacks. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of these aspects of SQL Server 2017. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of what SQL Server 2017 can do for you and your business.
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What is SQL Server 2017?
SQL Server 2017 is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It is software that allows you to store, change, and manage relational data effectively. Relational data is data that is organized in tables with rows and columns. Each table represents an entity or an object, such as a customer or a product. Each row represents an instance or a record of that entity or object. Each column represents an attribute or a property of that entity or object.
SQL Server 2017 uses the Transact-SQL (T-SQL) language to interact with the data stored in the tables. T-SQL is an extension of the standard SQL language that adds some proprietary features and functions to make it more powerful and expressive. You can use T-SQL to create queries that retrieve, insert, update, delete, or manipulate data in various ways.
SQL Server 2017 also provides many other features and components that enhance its functionality and usability. Some of these features and components are:
Database Engine: This is the core component of SQL Server that manages the storage and processing of data. It also enforces data integrity, security, availability, backup, recovery, transactions, concurrency control, indexing, statistics, etc.
Analysis Services: This is a component that provides online analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining capabilities. It allows you to create multidimensional models (cubes) and tabular models (tables) that can be used for complex data analysis and reporting.
Integration Services: This is a component that provides extract-transform-load (ETL) capabilities. It allows you to design workflows that can extract data from various sources (such as files or databases), transform it according to your business rules (such as cleansing or aggregating), and load it into a destination (such as a data warehouse or a data mart).
Reporting Services: This is a component that provides reporting capabilities. It allows you to create reports that can display data from various sources (such as databases or cubes) in various formats (such as tables or charts). SQL Server 2017 Editions
SQL Server 2017 comes in five different editions, each with its own features and pricing. The edition you choose depends on your data needs, budget, and performance expectations. The following table compares the main features and capabilities of the different editions of SQL Server 2017.
Edition Description Supported Features --- --- --- Enterprise The premium offering, SQL Server Enterprise edition delivers comprehensive high-end datacenter capabilities with blazing-fast performance, unlimited virtualization, and end-to-end business intelligence, enabling high service levels for mission-critical workloads and end-user access to data insights. All features, including advanced analytics, machine learning, high availability, security, scalability, etc. Standard SQL Server Standard edition delivers basic data management and business intelligence database for departments and small organizations to run their applications and supports common development tools for on-premises and cloud, enabling effective database management with minimal IT resources. Most features, except some advanced analytics, machine learning, high availability, security, scalability, etc. Web SQL Server Web edition is a low total-cost-of-ownership option for Web hosters (including choosing Web edition on IaaS on Azure) and Web VAPs to provide scalability, affordability, and manageability capabilities for small to large-scale Web properties. Limited features, mainly for web applications and services. Developer SQL Server Developer edition lets developers build any kind of application on top of SQL Server. It includes all the functionality of Enterprise edition, but is licensed for use as a development and test system, not as a production server. SQL Server Developer is an ideal choice for people who build and test applications. All features, but only for development and testing purposes. Express SQL Server Express edition is a free entry-level database that is ideal for learning and building desktop and small server data-driven applications. It is the best choice for independent software vendors, developers, and hobbyists building client applications. Limited features, mainly for small-scale data-driven applications. You can download the SQL Server 2017 Developer or Express edition for free from the Microsoft website. You can also download a trial version of the SQL Server 2017 Enterprise or Standard edition from the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
SQL Server 2017 Installation Requirements
Before you download and install SQL Server 2017, you should make sure that your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements. These requirements vary depending on whether you are installing SQL Server 2017 on Windows or Linux.
Hardware requirements
The following table lists the minimum and recommended hardware requirements for installing SQL Server 2017 on Windows or Linux.
Component Minimum Recommended --- --- --- Processor speed x64 Processor: 2.0 GHz x64 Processor: 2.0 GHz or faster Processor type x64 Processor: AMD Opteron, AMD Athlon 64, Intel Xeon with Intel EM64T support, Intel Pentium IV with EM64T support x64 Processor: AMD Opteron, AMD Athlon 64, Intel Xeon with Intel EM64T support, Intel Pentium IV with EM64T support Memory (RAM) 1 GB 4 GB or more Hard disk space 6 GB of free space At least 6 GB of free space Software requirements
The following table lists the software requirements for installing SQL Server 2017 on Windows or Linux.
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Component Requirement --- --- .NET Framework .NET Framework 4.6 (required for Database Engine only) Client tools connectivity Client tools connectivity components (required for all installations) Client tools backward compatibility components Client tools backward compatibility components (optional) Client tools SDK Client tools SDK (optional) Documentation components (SQL Server Books Online components) Documentation components (SQL Server Books Online components) (optional) Integration Services shared components Integration Services shared components (required for all installations) Operating system compatibility
The following table lists the operating systems that are compatible with SQL Server 2017 on Windows or Linux.
Operating system Supported editions --- --- Windows Server 2023 (Long-Term Servicing Channel) Datacenter Standard Essentials Windows Server 2023 Semi-Annual Channel Datacenter Standard Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Standard Essentials Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Standard Essentials Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Standard Essentials Windows 10 Pro Enterprise Education IoT Enterprise Windows 8.1 Pro Enterprise Windows 8 Pro Enterprise Windows 7 SP1 Professional Enterprise Ultimate Linux Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4, 8.3, 8.2, 8.1, 7.9, 7.8, 7.7, 7.6, 7.5, 7.4 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server v15 SP2, v15 SP1, v12 SP5, v12 SP4, v12 SP3 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, 18.04 LTS, 16.04 LTS To download and install SQL Server 2017 on Windows or Linux, you can follow the instructions provided by Microsoft on their website.
SQL Server 2017 Benefits
SQL Server 2017 offers many benefits for data management, business intelligence, and machine learning. Some of these benefits are:
Performance
SQL Server 2017 delivers fast and reliable performance for your data-driven applications. It supports in-memory technologies that can boost the speed and efficiency of your queries and transactions. It also supports columnstore indexes that can compress and store your data in a columnar format, which can improve the performance of your analytical workloads. SQL Server 2017 also supports adaptive query processing, which can optimize your query plans based on the runtime conditions and statistics of your data.
Security
SQL Server 2017 provides strong security features that can protect your data from unauthorized access and threats. It supports encryption at rest and in transit, which can secure your data on disk and on the network. It also supports row-level security, which can restrict access to specific rows of data based on user roles or permissions. SQL Server 2017 also supports dynamic data masking, which can obfuscate sensitive data from certain users or applications.
Intelligence
SQL Server 2017 enables you to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning for your data analysis and prediction needs. It supports Python and R languages, which are widely used for data science and machine learning tasks. It also supports SQL Server Machine Learning Services, which allows you to run Python and R scripts inside the database engine without moving your data to another platform. SQL Server 2017 also supports SQL Server Analysis Services, which allows you to create and deploy advanced analytical models using various algorithms and techniques.
Flexibility
SQL Server 2017 offers flexibility and choice for your data platform needs. It can run on Windows, Linux, or Docker containers, which gives you more options for your deployment and hosting scenarios. It also supports hybrid cloud solutions, which allow you to integrate your on-premises data with cloud services such as Azure SQL Database or Azure Synapse Analytics. SQL Server 2017 also supports polyglot persistence, which allows you to store and query various types of data such as relational, JSON, XML, graph, spatial, etc.
SQL Server 2017 Drawbacks
Despite its many benefits, SQL Server 2017 also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of before using it. Some of these drawbacks are:
Cost
SQL Server 2017 can be expensive depending on the edition and licensing model you choose. The Enterprise edition is the most costly one, as it charges per core rather than per server or per user. The Standard edition is cheaper but has fewer features and capabilities than the Enterprise edition. The Web edition is affordable but only suitable for web applications and services. The Developer edition is free but only for development and testing purposes.
Complexity
SQL Server 2017 can be complex to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot. It has many components and features that require different skills and knowledge to use effectively. It also has many dependencies and prerequisites that need to be met before installing it on your system. It also requires regular updates and patches to keep it secure and stable.
Compatibility
SQL Server 2017 may not be compatible with some older versions of SQL Server or other database products. It may have different syntax or behavior than previous versions of SQL Server or other database products that you are familiar with. It may also have different requirements or limitations than previous versions of SQL Server or other database products that you are using.
Support
SQL Server 2017 may not have adequate support from Microsoft or other vendors or communities. It may have bugs or issues that are not resolved quickly or satisfactorily by Microsoft or other vendors or communities. It may also have fewer resources or documentation available online or offline than previous versions of SQL Server or other database products. It may also have less community support or feedback than previous versions of SQL Server or other database products.
Conclusion
SQL Server 2017 is a powerful and versatile relational database management system that can help you store, process, analyze, and secure your data efficiently and effectively. It offers many features and benefits for data management, business intelligence, and machine learning. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of before installing it. You should choose the edition and licensing model that best suits your data needs, budget, and performance expectations. You should also make sure that your system meets the installation requirements and that you are comfortable with the syntax and behavior of SQL Server 2017.
If you want to learn more about SQL Server 2017, you can visit the official Microsoft website or the Microsoft documentation. You can also find many online courses, tutorials, books, blogs, forums, and videos that can help you master SQL Server 2017. You can also join the SQL Server community and connect with other users and experts who can share their knowledge and experience with you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about SQL Server 2017:
Q: How do I upgrade from an older version of SQL Server to SQL Server 2017?
A: You can upgrade from an older version of SQL Server to SQL Server 2017 by using one of the following methods:
In-place upgrade: This method replaces the existing instance of SQL Server with SQL Server 2017. It preserves the existing databases, settings, and objects. However, it also carries some risks and challenges, such as downtime, compatibility issues, backup and recovery issues, etc.
Side-by-side upgrade: This method installs a new instance of SQL Server 2017 alongside the existing instance of SQL Server. It allows you to migrate the databases, settings, and objects from the old instance to the new instance. However, it also requires more resources, planning, testing, and coordination.
Migration: This method involves moving the databases, settings, and objects from the existing instance of SQL Server to a new instance of SQL Server 2017 on a different server or platform. It allows you to take advantage of new hardware or software features and capabilities. However, it also requires more preparation, validation, and verification.
You can choose the method that best suits your scenario and requirements. You can also use the Data Migration Assistant tool to help you assess and perform the upgrade or migration process.
Q: How do I connect to SQL Server 2017 from my application or tool?
A: You can connect to SQL Server 2017 from your application or tool by using one of the following methods:
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): This is a graphical user interface (GUI) tool that allows you to manage and administer SQL Server instances and databases. You can use SSMS to connect to SQL Server 2017 by providing the server name, authentication mode (Windows or SQL), user name, password, and database name.
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): This is a development environment (IDE) tool that allows you to design and develop database projects and solutions. You can use SSDT to connect to SQL Server 2017 by creating a data connection or a data source in your project or solution.
SQL Server Configuration Manager (SSCM): This is a tool that allows you to configure and manage the services and network protocols of SQL Server instances. You can use SSCM to connect to SQL Server 2017 by enabling or disabling the TCP/IP protocol for your instance.
SQLCMD: This is a command-line tool that allows you to execute T-SQL statements and scripts against SQL Server instances and databases. You can use SQLCMD to connect to SQL Server 2017 by providing the server name, authentication mode (Windows or SQL), user name, password, database name, and query or script.
ODBC: This is a standard application programming interface (API) that allows you to access data from various data sources using a common interface. You can use ODBC to connect to SQL Server 2017 by creating an ODBC data source name (DSN) that specifies the driver name (SQL Server), server name, authentication mode (Windows or SQL), user name, password , and database name.
OLE DB: This is a low-level API that allows you to access data from various data sources using a common interface. You can use OLE DB to connect to SQL Server 2017 by creating an OLE DB connection string that specifies the provider name (SQLNCLI11), server name, authentication mode (Windows or SQL), user name, password, and database name.
JDBC: This is a Java API that allows you to access data from various data sources using a common interface. You can use JDBC to connect to SQL Server 2017 by creating a JDBC connection string that specifies the driver name (com.microsoft.sqlserver.jdbc.SQLServerDriver), server name, port number, database name, user name, and password.
ADO.NET: This is a .NET Framework API that allows you to access data from various data sources using a common interface. You can use ADO.NET to connect to SQL Server 2017 by creating an ADO.NET connection string that specifies the provider name (System.Data.SqlClient), server name, authentication mode (Windows or SQL), user name, password, and database name.
Q: How do I backup and restore SQL Server 2017 databases?
A: You can backup and restore SQL Server 2017 databases by using one of the following methods:
SSMS: You can use SSMS to backup and restore SQL Server 2017 databases by using the Backup and Restore wizards. You can choose the type of backup (full, differential, or log), the destination (disk or URL), the options (compression, encryption, verification, etc.), and the schedule (frequency, time, etc.). You can also choose the type of restore (overwrite or append), the source (disk or URL), the options (recovery state, file relocation, etc.), and the point in time (latest or specific).
SSDT: You can use SSDT to backup and restore SQL Server 2017 databases by using the Schema Compare and Data Compare tools. You can compare the schema and data of two databases (source and target) and generate a script that can synchronize them. You can also apply the script to the target database to make it identical to the source database.
SQLCMD: You can use SQLCMD to backup and restore SQL Server 2017 databases by using the BACKUP and RESTORE commands. You can specify the type of backup (full, differential, or log), the destination (disk or URL), the options (compression, encryption, verification, etc.), and the schedule (frequency, time, etc.). You can also specify the type of restore (overwrite or append), the source (disk or URL), the options (recovery state, file relocation, etc.), and the point in time (latest or specific).
Azure Backup: You can use Azure Backup to backup and restore SQL Server 2017 databases by using the Azure Backup agent. You can configure the backup policy (frequency, retention, encryption, etc.) and select the databases that you want to backup. You can also restore the databases from the Azure Backup vault to any SQL Server instance.
Q: How do I monitor and optimize SQL Server 2017 performance?
A: You can monitor and optimize SQL Server 2017 performance by using one of the following methods:
SSMS: You can use SSMS to monitor and optimize SQL Server 2017 performance by using the Activity Monitor and Query Store tools. The Activity Monitor tool shows you the current activity on your SQL Server instance, such as processes, resource waits, recent expensive queries, etc. The Query Store tool shows you the historical performance of your queries, such as execution plans, runtime statistics, resource consumption, etc.
SQL Server Profiler: You can use SQL Server Profiler to monitor and optimize SQL Server 2017 performance by using the Trace tool. The Trace tool allows you to capture and analyze events that occur on your SQL Server instance, such as queries executed, errors occurred , transactions committed, etc. You can also filter, sort, and export the events for further analysis.
SQL Server Performance Dashboard: You can use SQL Server Performance Dashboard to monitor and optimize SQL Server 2017 performance by using the Performance Dashboard tool. The Performance Dashboard tool provides you with a graphical overview of the health and performance of your SQL Server instance, such as CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, wait statistics, etc. You can also drill down into the details of each performance metric and identify the root causes of performance issues.
Database Engine Tuning Advisor: You can use Database Engine Tuning Advisor to monitor and optimize SQL Server 2017 performance by using the Database Engine Tuning Advisor tool. The Database Engine Tuning Advisor tool analyzes your workload (such as queries or traces) and recommends optimal physical design structures (such as indexes or partitions) for your databases. You can also apply or test the recommendations and evaluate their impact on your performance.
Q: How do I use Python and R with SQL Server 2017?
A: You can use Python and R with SQL Server 2017 by using the SQL Server Machine Learning Services feature. This feature allows you to run Python and R scripts inside the SQL Server database engine without moving your data to another platform. You can also use the sp_execute_external_script stored procedure to execute Python and R scripts from T-SQL statements. You can also use the revoscalepy and revoscaler packages to access scalable and distributed algorithms and data structures for Python and R respectively.
Q: How do I use Docker with SQL Server 2017?
A: You can use Docker with SQL Server 2017 by using the SQL Server on Linux Docker image. This image allows you to run SQL Server 2017 on a Linux-based Docker container that can be deployed on any platform that supports Docker. You can also use the docker run command to create and start a SQL Server container with various options and parameters. You can also use the docker exec command to run commands or scripts inside the SQL Server container.
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