SQL Server on linux patching

Question

SQL Server on linux patching

sakuraime 2,341

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/linux/sql-server-linux-change-repo?view=sql-server-ver15&pivots=ld2-rhel

"You can update from a GDR release to CU release at any time by changing repositories. Updating from a CU release to a GDR release is not supported."

why it is a limitation ?

So after upgrade from GDR to CU , which means have to go to patching CU path forever ?

3 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Yes, and you should be on the CU train anyway in my opinion.

The GDR train means that you take the RTM version with all its bugs etc, and stay on it, applying only GDRs (which is basically only security fixes).

If you take the CU train, you will also get GDRs if they are released between two CUs (and that happens). I believe that they also release GDRs for a few CUs back, but not all.

If we take SQL 2017 as an example the current CU is CU22 (if I recall correctly). Say that a security is found. They will release a GDR for CU22, and maybe also CU21, CU20 a few more (I don't know the exact policy here). They will also release a GDR for the RTM version without any CU.

Answer 2

m 4,276

Hi @sakuraime ,

why it is a limitation ?

Because each latest CU contains cumulative updates based on RTM/SP. GDR only contains serious updates.

For example SQL2014 as next:

(For ease of understanding: RTM is equivalent to a full backup, SP is equivalent to a differential backup, CU is equivalent to a smaller differential backup, and GDR is equivalent to backing up a table)

For example, if we use SQL Server 2014 as soon as it is released, we will often encounter various possible problems, so it is best to wait a year or two before using it. Of course, some problems can be ignored. However, it is best to apply the latest patch.

GDR (General Distribution Release) is different from CU. Each latest CU contains cumulative updates based on RTM/SP. GDR only contains serious updates.

Note: SQL Server Service Packs are going away, starting with SQL Server 2017.

So after upgrade from GDR to CU , which means have to go to patching CU path forever ?

Yes. You are right.

More information:
an-incremental-servicing-model-is-available-from-the-sql-server-team-t

What's the difference in a GDR, a Cumulative Update, and a Service Pack?

BR,
Mia

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sakuraime 2,341 Reputation points

2020-10-26T03:38:31.167+00:00

but as I know in windows doesn't have this limitation .

after applyin CU15 , we can apply CU15 GDR ...
m 4,276 Reputation points

2020-10-26T06:19:34.763+00:00

Please reverify your question:
"You can update from a GDR release to CU release at any time by changing repositories. Updating from a CU release to a GDR release is not supported."
If my understanding is correct, your question is it can be updated from GDR to CU, why can't be updated from CU to GDR?
sakuraime 2,341 Reputation points

2020-10-27T08:05:03.243+00:00

yes why can't be updated from CU to GDR?
sakuraime 2,341 Reputation points

2020-10-27T08:32:29.41+00:00

I just tried for SQL Server 2019
from
mssql-server-15.0.2070.41-1.x86_64.rpm

upgrade to mssql-server-15.0.4073.23-4.x86_64.rpm, without any problem
sakuraime 2,341 Reputation points

2020-10-27T08:53:42.917+00:00

I am sorry . My test should be

mssql-server-14.0.3029.16-1.x86_64.rpm (CU8) to mssql-server-14.0.3192.2-2.x86_64.rpm (CU15 GDR)
Erland Sommarskog 121.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2020-10-27T22:05:55.693+00:00

Just to verify: that test went fine?

As for the passage from the docs you were quoting, I agree that they are not very clear. I think I understand what they want to say - but I have had direct contacts with people at Microsoft about this, and most people have not. So I may reach to some people to see if they can clarify this better. But first I wanted to know that you were able to apply a GDR over a CU on Linux, so that I know for sure that Linux and Windows are the same.
m 4,276 Reputation points

2020-10-28T01:34:30.467+00:00

Hi @sakuraime ,

Ok. Please reference the last reply.
If you have other concerns and think there is something wrong with that defination or MS document.

I recommend you to submit your issue to the Microsoft feedback at this link https://feedback.azure.com/forums/908035-sql-server . This site will serve as a connecting point between you and Microsoft, and ultimately the large community for you and Microsoft to interact with. Your feedback enables Microsoft to offer the best software and deliver superior services, meanwhile you can learn more about and contribute to the exciting projects on Microsoft feedback.

BR,
Mia

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.
sakuraime 2,341 Reputation points

2020-11-05T02:42:24.92+00:00

so can rpm -Uvh from the following

mssql-server-14.0.3162.1-1.x86_64.rpm CU15

to

mssql-server-14.0.3192.2-2.x86_64.rpm CU15 GDR
sakuraime 2,341 Reputation points

2020-11-05T03:29:08.797+00:00

I think I know what's that mean

GDR is another stream of release of sql server . for example sql server 17 , GDR release having build 14.2xxx..

however CU are having 14.3xxx.......

Answer 3

m 4,276

Hi @sakuraime ,

Is the reply helpful?

BR,
Mia

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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SQL Server on linux patching

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