Introduction

Every release of SQL Server results in a more robust programming environment. SQL Server 2000 continues with that tradition, including many enhancements that strengthen the productivity and programmability of SQL Server solutions. Additional data types, such as the table data type, increase performance and programmability over traditional methods. User-defined functions allow developers to extend the programming environment with custom functions for reusability and simplified application logic. Referential integrity and trigger enhancements will help SQL developers manage data change events in SQL Server.

Productivity enhancements in SQL Server 2000 include the new Meta Data Services and an enhanced Query Analyzer tool. Meta Data Services in SQL Server 2000 offers shared application and modeling information with support for standard Component Object Model (COM) and Open Information Model (OIM) interfaces. One of the most evident visual changes is in the SQL Query Analyzer tool. Query Analyzer now includes an embedded object browser and dozens of T-SQL templates for creating everything from tables to adding linked server logins. These features will assist both new and seasoned T-SQL developers in taking advantage of SQL Server 2000 s latest features. The SQL debugger utility addition to SQL Server 2000 offers stronger integration and reliability a long overdue tool for T-SQL programmers.

This chapter reviews the programming tools and technology enhancements in SQL Server 2000. The chapter includes examples using each of these new features, allowing you to begin taking advantage of these enhancements in your applications. A review of data access technologies such as ADO, ODBC, and...