Breaking Changes are only one of four kinds of change that an upgrade brings. This guest post by Nakul Vachhrajani explains the four kinds, how to find deprecated feature use with Extended Events and the Deprecated Features counters, and a checklist for planning the upgrade.
Scalar Functions and Performance
Scalar functions can hide row-by-row work in SQL Server; learn when inlining helps, how to inspect eligibility, and when a set-based rewrite wins.
T-SQL Features Added in Recent Versions
T-SQL features added in recent SQL Server versions shorten common date, comparison, string, and JSON patterns when deployed deliberately.
Assessing a Database Before a Migration
Assessing a database before a migration covers features in use, compatibility, size, dependencies, and the evidence needed before a date is promised.
Raising a Database Compatibility Level Safely
Raise a compatibility level safely by capturing a Query Store baseline, changing one database, comparing plans, and keeping a tested reversal.
What Changes When You Move to a New Major Version
A New Major Version of SQL Server changes the engine while database compatibility, query plans, and deprecated features need separate review.
Which SSMS Version Can Connect to Which SQL Server Version
Choose an SSMS version for your SQL Server targets, check client and engine builds, and handle newer encryption defaults.