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date: September 14, 2021
author: Michael Thompson
source url: https://www.techinsights.com/articles/microsoft-sql-server-2018-update.html
title: Microsoft SQL Server 2018 Update: New Features and Performance Enhancements
category: Technology News
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Microsoft has recently announced the release of its latest version of SQL Server, dubbed SQL Server 2018. This new iteration brings a host of improvements to the popular database management system, including enhanced performance, security features, and integration capabilities. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable updates in SQL Server 2018 and discuss how they can benefit businesses and developers alike.

One of the primary focuses of SQL Server 2018 is improved performance. To achieve this goal, Microsoft has introduced several new features and enhancements that help optimize query execution and resource utilization. One such feature is Adaptive Query Processing (AQP), which allows the server to dynamically adjust its query execution plan based on real-time feedback from previous executions. This enables SQL Server to better handle complex queries with multiple joins or aggregations, ultimately leading to faster response times for end-users.

Another significant performance improvement comes in the form of Intelligent Query Processing (IQP). This feature builds upon AQP by using machine learning algorithms to analyze historical query data and identify patterns that can be used to optimize future executions. By leveraging these insights, IQP can automatically apply optimizations such as parallelism, batch mode processing, and memory grant adjustments to improve overall query performance.

In addition to performance enhancements, SQL Server 2018 also introduces several new security features designed to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations. One of these features is Data Classification, which allows administrators to categorize data within their databases according to sensitivity levels. This information can then be used to enforce access controls and auditing policies, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data.

Another new security feature in SQL Server 2018 is Always Encrypted with Secure Enclaves. This technology extends the existing Always Encrypted functionality by allowing secure enclaves within the server to perform operations on encrypted data without exposing it in plaintext. This enables scenarios such as rich querying and sorting of encrypted data, which were previously not possible due to the limitations of traditional encryption methods.

SQL Server 2018 also brings improvements to its integration capabilities, making it easier for businesses to connect their databases with other systems and services. One notable update in this area is support for graph data processing, which allows users to model complex relationships between entities using nodes and edges. This feature can be particularly useful for applications that require advanced analytics or pattern detection, such as fraud detection or social network analysis.

Additionally, SQL Server 2018 introduces native support for Python, a popular programming language widely used in data science and machine learning applications. By integrating Python directly into the database engine, developers can now execute Python scripts alongside T-SQL queries, enabling them to leverage powerful libraries and frameworks like TensorFlow and scikit-learn for advanced analytics and predictive modeling.

Finally, Microsoft has made several enhancements to SQL Server's high availability and disaster recovery features in the 2018 release. These updates include improved support for distributed transactions, faster failover times, and more granular control over replication settings. Together, these improvements help ensure that businesses can maintain continuous access to their critical data even in the face of hardware failures or other unexpected events.

In conclusion, SQL Server 2018 represents a significant step forward for Microsoft's flagship database management system. With its focus on performance, security, and integration, this latest version offers numerous benefits for businesses and developers alike. As organizations continue to rely on data-driven insights to inform their decision-making processes, the enhancements found in SQL Server 2018 will undoubtedly prove invaluable in helping them achieve their goals.

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- What are some of the new security features introduced in SQL Server 2018?
- Explain how Adaptive Query Processing (AQP) helps improve performance in SQL Server 2018.
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### Response:

Some of the new security features introduced in SQL Server 2018 include Data Classification and Always Encrypted with Secure Enclaves. Data Classification allows administrators to categorize data within their databases according to sensitivity levels, which can then be used to enforce access controls and auditing policies. Always Encrypted with Secure Enclaves extends the existing Always Encrypted functionality by allowing secure enclaves within the server to perform operations on encrypted data without exposing it in plaintext, enabling scenarios such as rich querying and sorting of encrypted data.

Adaptive Query Processing (AQP) helps improve performance in SQL Server 2018 by allowing the server to dynamically adjust its query execution plan based on real-time feedback from previous executions. This enables SQL Server to better handle complex queries with multiple joins or aggregations, ultimately leading to faster response times for end-users.