SQL Server 2016 New Features for Developers
SQL Server 2016 introduced game-changing features that fundamentally shifted how developers write queries and manage data—and many teams still haven’t adopted them. This course cuts through the noise and shows you exactly which new capabilities will accelerate your work, from JSON handling to temporal tables and enhanced query performance.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for SQL developers wanting to modernise their skillset and unlock 2016’s productivity gains without wasting time on deprecated features. The course is vendor-specific to SQL Server 2016, so it won’t cover later versions (2017+) or cloud-native alternatives like Azure SQL.
What This Course Covers
You’ll explore SQL Server 2016’s marquee additions: native JSON support for semi-structured data, temporal tables for audit trails and point-in-time queries, and enhanced T-SQL functions that reduce boilerplate code. Leonard Lobel walks through real-world scenarios—parsing API responses, tracking data changes, and optimising common query patterns—so you can apply these immediately in production environments.
Beyond syntax, the course emphasises when and why to use each feature. You’ll learn the performance implications of JSON operations, best practices for temporal table design, and how these tools integrate with your existing schemas. Hands-on labs in Pluralsight’s sandbox environment let you experiment risk-free before deploying to your own databases.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Backend developers using SQL Server: Need to upgrade from legacy T-SQL patterns and leverage 2016’s native capabilities for faster development cycles.
- Data engineers managing ETL pipelines: Benefit from JSON support and temporal tables to simplify data ingestion, versioning, and compliance auditing.
- Database administrators modernising legacy systems: Understand new features to guide development teams and optimise query performance across upgraded infrastructure.
May not suit:
- SQL Server 2019+ users: If you’re already on newer versions, this course focuses on 2016-specific features and won’t cover subsequent enhancements.
- Complete SQL beginners: Assumes solid T-SQL fundamentals; you’ll struggle without prior experience writing queries and understanding schema design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SQL Server 2016 New Features for Developers take?
3 hours 41 minutes of video content. Most learners complete it in 1–2 weeks, depending on how much time you spend in the hands-on labs.
Do I need SQL Server 2016 installed locally?
No. Pluralsight provides sandbox environments where you can execute code directly in the browser—no installation required.
Will this course cover Azure SQL or SQL Server 2019+?
No, it’s specifically focused on SQL Server 2016’s new features. If you need cloud or newer-version content, you’ll want a separate course.
Is Leonard Lobel’s teaching style hands-on or lecture-heavy?
Hands-on. Lobel demonstrates each feature with live code examples and labs, so you’re writing queries alongside the instruction—not just watching slides.
Course by Leonard Lobel on Pluralsight. Duration: 3h 41m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
