SQL SERVER 2012,2014,2016,2017 New Features

Each version introduced its own set of new features and enhancements. Here are some notable new features introduced in SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014: 

------SQL Server 2012------

AlwaysOn Availability Groups: This feature provides high availability and disaster recovery solutions by allowing multiple databases to be grouped together and failover as a single unit.

Columnstore Indexes: SQL Server 2012 introduced columnstore indexes, which significantly improve query performance for data warehousing and analytics workloads by storing data in a columnar format.

SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): SSDT provides an integrated development environment for database developers, offering enhanced database design, testing, and deployment capabilities.

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular Model: In addition to the traditional multidimensional model, SQL Server 2012 introduced the tabular model for SSAS, which provides a simpler, in-memory approach for building analytical solutions.

------SQL Server 2014--------

In-Memory OLTP:: This feature, also known as Hekaton, allows you to store selected tables and procedures in memory, resulting in significantly improved performance for transactional workloads.

Buffer Pool Extension: SQL Server 2014 introduced the ability to extend the buffer pool into solid-state drives (SSDs), enabling faster access to frequently accessed data and reducing I/O latency.

Enhanced Backup and Restore: SQL Server 2014 introduced backup encryption, making it easier to secure sensitive data during backups. It also provided the ability to perform a database restore from Windows Azure storage, allowing for off-site backups and disaster recovery.

Delayed Durability : This feature allows you to control the durability of transaction commits, improving performance for write-intensive workloads.

Both versions brought new features and improvements to the SQL Server platform. Here are some notable features introduced in SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server 2017:

---SQL Server 2016-----

Stretch Database: This feature allows you to transparently and securely extend your on-premises database to Azure SQL Database, providing cost-effective storage and seamless access to historical data.

Query Store: Query Store provides detailed insights into query performance by capturing query execution plans and statistics, enabling easy identification and resolution of performance regressions.

PolyBase: PolyBase enables you to query and analyze data across relational and non-relational data sources, such as Hadoop, using T-SQL, making it easier to integrate and process big data alongside traditional SQL Server data.

JSON Support: SQL Server 2016 introduced built-in support for storing, querying, and manipulating JSON data, allowing for better integration with modern application development and data interchange formats.

-----SQL Server 2017------

Graph Database Capabilities: SQL Server 2017 introduced support for graph database features, enabling the modeling and querying of complex relationships between data entities, making it suitable for scenarios such as social networks and fraud detection.

Automatic Tuning: This feature leverages machine learning to continuously monitor and optimize query performance by automatically applying performance recommendations, including creating indexes or adjusting query plans.

Resumable Online Index Rebuild: SQL Server 2017 introduced the ability to pause and resume index rebuilding operations, allowing for more flexibility and reduced maintenance windows for large-scale index maintenance.

Adaptive Query Processing: This feature provides intelligent query performance optimization by dynamically adjusting execution plans based on actual runtime statistics, leading to more efficient query processing.