As with any evolving technology, SQL Server is always evolving. Keeping track of what’s changing is crucial for developers and database admins to stay sharp and make informed decisions. Knowing which features are getting phased out or have already been discontinued helps you keep your SQL Server environment running smoothly.
What Are Deprecated and Discontinued Features?
Deprecated Features: These are features on their way out. They’re still functional for now, but using them in new projects isn’t advisable since they’ll eventually be removed.
Discontinued Features: These features are already gone in the latest versions of SQL Server. Keeping them around can cause issues with upgrades or migrations, especially to Azure SQL Database.
Recent Changes from SQL Server 2019 to SQL Server 2022
With the shift from SQL Server 2019 to SQL Server 2022, a few features were retired:
Deprecated Features:
Discontinued Features:
What These Features Did and Why They Were Removed
Distributed Replay
Machine Learning Server
Stretch Database
SQL Server Big Data Clusters
SQL Server PolyBase Scale-Out Groups
Installation of Machine Learning Services Packages
How to Identify Deprecated Features in Your SQL Server Instance
Tracking deprecated features is easier with SQL Server’s tools. Use this T-SQL query to list deprecated features and see how often they’re used in your instance:
“ SELECT object_name, counter_name, instance_name, cntr_value, cntr_type FROM sys.dm_os_performance_counters WHERE object_name = ‘SQLServer:Deprecated Features’; ”
This query will return a list of over 250 deprecated features and their usage counts in your SQL Server instance. It’s a handy script to help identify and address deprecated feature use.
Why Staying Updated Matters
Keeping up with deprecated and discontinued features is crucial for several reasons:
Final Thoughts
Keeping your SQL Server environment up-to-date is all about being proactive. Regularly check Microsoft documentation and use tools like the T-SQL script provided to stay on top of changes. By staying informed, you can keep your SQL Server instances efficient, secure, and future-proof. Adapting to changes ensures a robust and forward-compatible database environment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post!
BHARATH KUMAR S