Recently, I attended a user group meeting where the topic of discussion was User-Defined Functions (UDFs) and their impact on performance in SQL Server. The speaker, Simon Sabin of SQL Skills, highlighted some of the issues with UDFs and introduced a better alternative – Table-Valued Functions (TVFs). He also mentioned that in certain cases, the Common Language Runtime (CLR) can perform just as well as system functions for simple code.

However, during the discussion, a member of the audience raised concerns about deploying CLR code in assemblies to SQL Servers. They expressed worries about having someone write “code” that runs inside SQL Server and questioned the stability of the core engine. While stability is a valid concern, it is important to consider the bigger picture.

Deploying code, whether it’s CLR assemblies or any other type, is a common practice in the world of software development. We often deploy code on our servers, and it may not always be perfectly written. We have seen instances where system functions provided by Microsoft themselves have caused stability issues. So, is it fair to single out CLR as a black box that raises concerns?

Similar concerns about deploying .NET assemblies on IIS exist as well. If we have concerns about CLR in SQL Server, shouldn’t we also have concerns about .NET assemblies deployed on web servers? The key here is not to dismiss CLR altogether, but rather to focus on better training, code reviews, and extensive testing to ensure the stability and performance of the deployed code.

The CLR can be a powerful tool in certain scenarios. It provides a specialized environment for executing managed code within SQL Server, allowing for complex operations and integration with external systems. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to carefully evaluate the specific requirements of your application and consider the potential challenges you may face when using CLR on your SQL Servers.

If you have experience deploying CLR in your SQL Server environment, I would love to hear about your journey. What challenges did you face? How did it impact the stability and performance of your servers? Sharing your experiences can help others make informed decisions when considering the use of CLR assemblies.

Remember, the key to success lies in understanding the capabilities and limitations of the tools at our disposal and making informed choices based on the specific needs of our applications.