Key FeaturesUtilize the new enhancements in Transact-SQL and security features in SQL Server 2016 to build efficient database applicationsWork with temporal tables to get information about data stored in the table at any point in timeA detailed guide to SQL Server 2016, introducing you to multiple new features and enhancements to improve your overall development experienceBook DescriptionMicrosoft SQL Server 2016 is considered the biggest leap in the data platform history of the Microsoft, in the ongoing era of Big Data and data science. Compared to its predecessors, SQL Server 2016 offers developers a unique opportunity to leverage the advanced features and build applications that are robust, scalable, and easy to administer.This book introduces you to new features of SQL Server 2016 which will open a completely new set of possibilities for you as a developer. It prepares you for the more advanced topics by starting with a quick introduction to SQL Server 2016s new features and a recapitulation of the possibilities you may have already explored with previous versions of SQL Server. The next part introduces you to small delights in the Transact-SQL language and then switches to a completely new technology inside SQL Server - JSON support. We also take a look at the Stretch database, security enhancements, and temporal tables.The last chapters concentrate on implementing advanced topics, including Query Store, columnstore indexes, and In-Memory OLTP. You will finally be introduced to R and how to use the R language with Transact-SQL for data exploration and analysis.By the end of this book, you will have the required information to design efficient, high-performance database applications without any hassle.What you will learnExplore the new development features introduced in SQL Server 2016Identify opportunities for In-Memory OLTP technology, significantly enhanced in SQL Server 2016Use columnstore indexes to get significant storage and performance improvementsExtend database design solutions using temporal tablesExchange JSON data between applications and SQL Server in a more efficient wayMigrate historical data transparently and securely to Microsoft Azure by using Stretch DatabaseUse the new security features to encrypt or to have more granular control over access to rows in a tableSimplify performance troubleshooting with Query StoreDiscover the potential of Rs integration with SQL ServerAbout the AuthorDejan Sarka, MCT and SQL Server MVP, is an independent trainer and consultant who focuses on the development of database and business intelligence applications, located in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Besides his projects, he spends around half of his time on training and mentoring. He is the founder of the Slovenian SQL Server and .NET Users Group. Dejan is the main author and co-author of many books and courses about databases and SQL Server. He is a frequent speaker at many worldwide events.Milos Radivojevic is a database consultant in Vienna, Austria. He is a Data Platform MVP and specializes in SQL Server for application developers and performance and query tuning. Currently, he works as a principal database consultant in bwin (GVC Holdings)—the largest regulated online gaming company in the world. Milos is a cofounder of PASS Austria. He is also a speaker at international conferences and speaks regularly at SQL Saturday events and PASS Austria meetings.William Durkin is a DBA and data platform architect for CloudDBA. He uses his decade of experience with SQL Server to help multinational corporations achieve their data management goals. Born in the UK and now based in Germany, he has worked as a database developer and DBA on projects ranging from single-server installations, up to environments spanning five continents using a range of high-availability solutions. William is a regular speaker at conferences around the globe, a Data Platform MVP and is the chapter leader of a German PASS chapter.Table of ContentsIntroduction to SQL Server 2016Review of SQL Server Features for DevelopersSQL Server ToolsTransact-SQL EnhancementsJSON Support in SQL ServerStretch DatabaseTemporal TablesTightening the SecurityQuery StoreColumnstore IndexesIntroducing SQL Server In-Memory OLTPIn-Memory OLTP Improvements in SQL Server 2016Supporting R in SQL ServerData Exploration and Predictive Modeling with R in SQL Server