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Applies to:
SQL Server 2016 (13.x) and later versions
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Managed Instance
SQL database in Microsoft Fabric
Depending on your scenario, you can either create new system-versioned temporal tables, or modify existing ones by adding temporal attributes to the existing table schema. When the data in temporal table is modified, the system builds version history transparently to applications and end users. As a result, working with temporal tables doesn't require any change to the way table is modified or how the latest (current) state of the data is queried.
In addition to regular data modification and querying, temporal tables also provide convenient and easy ways to get insights from data history through extended Transact-SQL syntax. Every system-versioned table has a history table assigned, which is transparent to users. However, you can optimize workload performance, or the storage footprint, by creating more indexes or choosing different storage options.
The following diagram depicts typical workflow with temporal tables:
This section is divided into the following five articles:
Events
Mar 31, 11 PM - Apr 2, 11 PM
The biggest SQL, Fabric and Power BI learning event. March 31 – April 2. Use code FABINSIDER to save $400.
Register todayTraining
Module
Create tables, views, and temporary objects - Training
This content is a part of Create tables, views, and temporary objects.
Certification
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate - Certifications
Administer an SQL Server database infrastructure for cloud, on-premises and hybrid relational databases using the Microsoft PaaS relational database offerings.
Documentation
Temporal table considerations and limitations - SQL Server
Considerations and limitations to be aware of when working with temporal tables.
Temporal table usage scenarios - SQL Server
Temporal table usage scenarios
Manage historical data in system-versioned temporal tables - SQL Server
Learn how to manage historical data retention in system-versioned temporal tables.