Discover the most important Transact-SQL (T-SQL) features introduced in SQL Server 2008, and get a preview of new enhancements in the next version of SQL Server code-named “Denali.” Learn how to use Table Valued Parameters to marshal entire sets of rows across from client to server, and to pass them between stored procedures. We’ll also dig into MERGE, a powerful DML statement that combines the capabilities of four (or more) separate operations, and look at INSERT OVER DML, which enhances our ability to capture change data from the OUTPUT clause of any DML statement. Date and time enhancements are then explored, including separate date and time data types, time zone awareness, and improvements in date and time range, storage, and precision. This demo-packed session will finish up with a preview of the improvements coming in Denali, including the new THROW statement, improved metadata discovery, server-side paging, and sequences.
 
Leonard Lobel is the chief technology officer (CTO) and cofounder of Sleek Technologies, Inc., a New York–based development shop with an early adopter philosophy toward new technologies. He is also a principal consultant at Tallan, Inc., a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. Programming since 1979, Lenni specializes in Microsoft-based solutions, with experience that spans a variety of business domains, including publishing, financial, wholesale/retail, health care, and e-commerce. Lenni has served as chief architect and lead developer for various organizations, ranging from small shops to high-profile clients. He is also a consultant, trainer, and frequent speaker at local usergroup meetings, VSLive, SQL PASS, and other industry conferences. Lenni is also lead author in the MS Press book “Programming Microsoft SQL Server 2008”. He can be reached at lenni.lobel@sleektech.com.