SQL 2012 vs. SQL 2016
What's the Difference?
SQL 2012 and SQL 2016 are both powerful relational database management systems developed by Microsoft. SQL 2012 introduced several new features such as AlwaysOn Availability Groups, columnstore indexes, and improved performance tuning capabilities. SQL 2016 built upon these features with enhancements like Stretch Database, PolyBase, and support for JSON data. Overall, SQL 2016 offers improved performance, scalability, and security features compared to SQL 2012, making it a more advanced and versatile option for managing large volumes of data.
Comparison
| Attribute | SQL 2012 | SQL 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2012 | 2016 |
| JSON Support | No | Yes |
| Row Level Security | No | Yes |
| Temporal Tables | No | Yes |
| Query Store | No | Yes |
Further Detail
Introduction
SQL Server is a popular relational database management system developed by Microsoft. Over the years, Microsoft has released several versions of SQL Server, each with its own set of features and improvements. In this article, we will compare the attributes of SQL 2012 and SQL 2016, two widely used versions of the software.
Performance
One of the key areas where SQL 2016 outshines SQL 2012 is performance. SQL 2016 introduced several performance enhancements, such as the Query Store feature, which allows users to track query performance over time. This feature helps database administrators identify and troubleshoot performance issues more effectively. Additionally, SQL 2016 introduced support for in-memory OLTP, which can significantly improve the performance of transaction processing workloads.
Security
When it comes to security, SQL 2016 offers several improvements over SQL 2012. SQL 2016 introduced Always Encrypted, a feature that allows users to encrypt sensitive data at the column level, ensuring that data remains encrypted both at rest and in transit. Additionally, SQL 2016 introduced Dynamic Data Masking, which allows users to obfuscate sensitive data in real-time, providing an extra layer of security.
Scalability
SQL 2016 also offers better scalability compared to SQL 2012. SQL 2016 introduced support for Stretch Database, a feature that allows users to stretch their databases to Azure for cost-effective data storage and improved performance. This feature enables users to keep frequently accessed data on-premises while moving less frequently accessed data to the cloud, providing a scalable solution for managing large amounts of data.
Availability
When it comes to availability, both SQL 2012 and SQL 2016 offer high availability solutions such as AlwaysOn Availability Groups. However, SQL 2016 introduced enhancements to AlwaysOn Availability Groups, such as the ability to have up to three synchronous replicas for automatic failover and improved load balancing. These enhancements make it easier for users to ensure high availability and disaster recovery for their databases.
Business Intelligence
SQL Server is not just a database management system; it also offers powerful business intelligence capabilities. SQL 2016 introduced several enhancements to its business intelligence features, such as improved integration with Power BI for data visualization and reporting. Additionally, SQL 2016 introduced support for mobile reports, allowing users to create and view reports on mobile devices, making it easier to access and analyze data on the go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SQL 2016 offers several improvements over SQL 2012 in terms of performance, security, scalability, availability, and business intelligence. While SQL 2012 is still a reliable and widely used version of SQL Server, users looking for the latest features and enhancements should consider upgrading to SQL 2016. Ultimately, the choice between SQL 2012 and SQL 2016 will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the organization.
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