SQL Server is constantly evolving, and with each new release, certain features may become deprecated or discontinued. As a developer, it’s important to stay updated and avoid using these deprecated features in your code. In a previous blog post, we discussed the use of deprecated or discontinued features and how to identify them using SQL Server Profiler.
However, there is another method that can be used to achieve the same goal without relying on SQL Server Profiler. This method involves using Extended Events, a powerful feature in SQL Server that allows you to capture and analyze events occurring within the database.
Here are the steps to set up Extended Events to identify deprecated features:
- Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the server.
- Expand the “Management” folder, then the “Extended Events” folder.
- Right-click on “Sessions” and select “New Session Wizard”.
- In the New Session Wizard, enter a name for the session, such as “Deprecated and Discontinued”.
- Choose the option “Do not use a template” and click “Next”.
- In the Event library text box, type “deprec” and select the “deprecation announcement” and “deprecation final support” events. Move them to the “Selected events” section.
- In the “Capture Global Events” section, select the following events: client_app_name, client_connection_id, database_name, nt_username, sql_text, username.
- Click “Next” and leave the event filters empty.
- Check the option to save data to a file for later analysis. Set the maximum file size to 5 MB with 20 rollover files.
- Click “Next” and then “Finish” to create the event session.
- Optionally, you can script out the session using the script button in the wizard.
Once the event session is set up, you can start it to begin collecting data on deprecated features. Extended Events offer a flexible and efficient way to capture events and analyze them. They are becoming increasingly popular among SQL Server professionals.
As a SQL Server developer, it’s important to keep up with the latest features and best practices. Extended Events provide a powerful tool for monitoring and troubleshooting your database environment. I encourage you to explore and experiment with Extended Events in your own environments.
Let me know in the comments how you have used Extended Events in your SQL Server environments. I’m always eager to learn from fellow developers and share knowledge.