The Working of SQL Server Change Data Capture

Change Data Capture ensures that not only is all data insulated from breaches or hacking but also that it is in a format that does not affect its history. To implement these aspects, different database management systemshave tried various solutions in the past like data audits, triggers, complex queries, and timestamps but none had offered a permanent answer.

Microsoft was the first to make an effort in this direction when it launched its SQL Server Change Data Capture feature in 2005. The technology incorporated “after update”, “after insert”, and “after delete” capabilities which users found very complex. Subsequently, Microsoft introduced a revised version of SQL Server Change Data Capturei n 2008 that was well received and helped developers and DBAs capture and archive historical data and changes without requiring additional programming or other activities. 

The Working of SQL Server Change Data Capture 

The SQL Server Change Data Capture technology incorporates changes like update, insert, or delete through the SQL Server and presents them to the user in a very simple relational format. All inputs required to capture every change to a target like a column information and metadata are available for the modified and changed rows.Thechanges are captured and kept in tables that mirror the columns of the tracked stored tables with access to the modified data being controlled by the relevant table-valued functions.

The SQL Server Change Data Capture technology is a cut above others as it helps the smooth flow of change data automatically to various target databases and platforms. This is one reason why thistechnology is highly preferred.