Datasheet

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Chapter 1: Introducing T-SQL and Data Management Systems
The Jet Database Engine was designed in 1992. Jet is a simple and efficient storage system for small to
moderate volumes of data and for relatively few concurrent users, but it falls short of the stability and
fault - tolerance of SQL Server. For this reason, a desktop version of the SQL Server engine (now called
SQL Server Express, but formally known as Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine [MSDE]) has shipped with
Access since Office 2000. SQL Server Express is an alternative to using Jet and really should be used in
place of Jet for any serious database. Starting smaller - scale projects with SQL Server Express provides an
easier path for migrating them to full - blown SQL Server editions later on.
My SQL
MySQL is a developer ’ s tool embraced by the open source community. Like Linux and Java, it can be
obtained free of charge and includes source code. Compilers and components of the database engine can
be modified and compiled to run on most any computer platform. Although MySQL supports ANSI
SQL, it promotes the use of an application programming interface (API) that wraps SQL statements. As a
database product, MySQL is a widely accepted and capable product. However, it appeals more to the
open source developer than to the business user.
Many other database products on the market may share some characteristics of the products discussed
here. The preceding list represents the most popular database products that use ANSI SQL.
Summary
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 has earned a very good reputation in the marketplace and remains a very
capable and powerful database management server. SQL Server 2005 took T - SQL and database
management a huge step forward. Now SQL Server 2008 promises to continue the maturation of the
product with new and very powerful T - SQL commands and functions.
The upcoming chapters explore most of the longstanding features and capabilities of T - SQL and
preview the awesome new capabilities that SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008 have brought to the
field of T - SQL programming. So sit back and hold on; it ’ s going to be an exciting ride.
If the whole idea of writing T - SQL code and working with databases doesn ’ t thrill you like it does me,
I apologize for my overt enthusiasm. My wife has reminded me on many occasions that no matter
how I may look, I really am a geek. I freely confess it. I also eagerly confess that I love working with
databases. Working with databases puts you in the middle of everything in information technology.
There is absolutely no better place to be. Can you name an enterprise application that doesn ’ t somehow
interface with a database? You see? Databases are the sun of the IT solar system!
In the coming months and years you will most likely find more and more applications storing their data
in a SQL Server database, especially if that application is carrying a Microsoft logo. Microsoft Exchange
Server doesn ’ t presently store its data in SQL, but it will. Active Directory will also reportedly move its
data store to SQL Server. Microsoft has been exploring for years the possibility and feasibility of moving
the Windows file system itself to a SQL - type store. For the T - SQL programmer and Microsoft SQL Server
professional, the future is indeed bright.
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