SQL Server is a powerful relational database management system developed by Microsoft. With each new version of SQL Server, Microsoft introduces new features and enhancements to improve the functionality and performance of the database. To demonstrate the capabilities of these new features, Microsoft provides a sample database called AdventureWorks.
The AdventureWorks database is designed to simulate a fictional company and contains various tables, views, and stored procedures that represent different aspects of a business, such as customers, products, orders, and employees. It serves as a valuable resource for developers and database administrators to learn and practice SQL Server concepts.
One of the reasons why every new version of SQL Server comes with its own AdventureWorks database is to showcase the specific features and enhancements introduced in that version. By providing a pre-populated database with realistic data, developers can easily explore and experiment with the new functionalities without the need to create their own sample data.
For example, SQL Server 2014 introduced several new features, such as in-memory OLTP, buffer pool extension, and enhanced columnstore indexes. To support these features, Microsoft released the AdventureWorks 2014 Sample Database, which includes data that can be used to demonstrate and test these new capabilities.
To download the AdventureWorks 2014 Sample Database, you can visit the official Microsoft website or search for it on the internet. Once downloaded, you can restore the database in your SQL Server instance and start exploring the various tables, views, and stored procedures.
By working with the AdventureWorks database, you can gain hands-on experience with SQL Server and learn how to write efficient queries, optimize performance, and utilize the latest features introduced in each version. It serves as a valuable learning tool for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field of database management.
In conclusion, the AdventureWorks databases provided by Microsoft for each version of SQL Server are essential resources for developers and database administrators to learn and practice SQL Server concepts. They allow users to explore the new features and enhancements introduced in each version and gain valuable hands-on experience with the database management system.