A computed column is calculated from an expression
that can use other columns in the same table. The expression can be a
noncomputed column name, constant, function, and any combination of
these connected by one or more operators. The expression cannot be a
subquery. Computed columns are virtual and are not physically stored in
the table. The computed column is recalculated every time the computed
column is referenced in a query. The expression used for the computed
column is stored in the Computed Column Specification column properties.
An example of a computed column can be found in the Sales.SalesOrderHeader table in the AdventureWorks2008 database. See Figure 10.1 for an example of the computed column properties.
Warning
Be able to define computed columns and explain how they are created.
Filestream Data Type
Tip
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New in SQL Server 2008, the FILESTREAM storage attribute can be used for binary (BLOB) data to be stored in a varbinary(max) column.
Utilizing the FILESTREAM storage attribute has the following benefits:
Since the data is stored on the file system, performance matches the streaming performance of the file system.
The BLOB size is only restricted by the file system volume size.
The FILESTREAM columns are fully integrated with SQL Server maintenance operations, such as backup and restore.
SQL
Server provides full transactional support between the relational data
in the database and the unstructured data physically stored on the file
system.
The SQL Server security model is used to manage FILESTREAM data.
Warning
Be sure to be familiar with the new features, such as FILESTREAM storage, available in SQL Server 2008.
In order for this
storage attribute to be used, an attribute can be set on a varbinary
column so that the data is stored on the file system. Doing this gains
the benefits of the fast streaming and storage capabilities of the file
system. The data is managed and accessed directly within the context of
the database. The data is stored in the local NTFS file system and not
in the database file.
