Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2014: The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for ways to deal with complex data types like hierarchical data in the SQL Server database? One of the possible solutions is the Microsoft system CLR types for SQL Server 2014. Even though the CLR helps users handle complex data types, there are a few issues it can create for users. With the help of this article, we will be taking a look at the challenges and issues, and then we will try to resolve the problems using the top effective methods. 

But what is this CLR we mentioned here? Some of us might be well aware of the concept, while some users might not know what it is and how it works for the SQL Server database. So, first we will understand what CLR is and then proceed with the issues and fixes. 

Understanding What is CLR in SQL Server?

Microsoft CLR, or Common Language Runtime, is a feature in SQL Server that allows the database administrators to use programming languages for designing special database functions and tools. The CLR helps to create advanced and flexible features like data types, functions, or calculations in the SQL Server database to avoid manual command writing for the users. 

Let’s now take a look at how the CLR works in the SQL Server database and what its functionalities are. 

• The Microsoft CLR in SQL Server helps the users to write custom codes using .NET, and further turn the code to a smaller software component and add it to the SQL Server database. Through this the CLR allows you to enhance the SQL database’s capabilities. 
• It also offers the database administrators the access to advanced programming features such as string manipulation and error handling. 

These are some benefits of using CLR in the database. Now, let’s take a look at a thorough look at the CLR Types in SQL Server.

Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2014: Explained

The Microsoft System CLR Types is a component that integrates the SQL Server and the .NET Framework. It further allows the database administrators and developers to utilize the .NET components like:

• Geometry and Geography Datatypes
• HierarchyID Datatypes
• CLR User defined Types
• User Defined Functions with the help of .NET Code

We will now proceed with the steps for the installation of CLR Types SQL Server and understand how to safely configure the System CLR Types to avoid any issues during the installation process. 

How to Install the System CLR Types in SQL Server Effectively?

Let’s now take a look at the steps to download the Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2014 accurately. 

For Installer Download

1. Visit the official Microsoft Site or directly search for SQL Server 2014 Feature Pack page. 
2. Locate and download the file with the name SQLSysClrTypes.msi . 
3. Choose the right version as per your system. 

Next, To Run the Installer

1. Go to the downloaded installer file and double-click on it. 
2. Follow the instructions of the installation wizard to finish the setup. 
3. After this, the CLR will add the important CLR assemblies on your desired system. And you can run the CLR types as per your requirement.

For Enabling the CLR in SQL Server

When the CLR is completely installed, users are required to enable it for using it effectively. To enable the CLR in SQL Server, you can use the SSMS. Let’s see how it works.

In SQL Server Management Studio, execute the following command:

This command helps with enabling the CLR support in the SQL Server and further apply the changes in the database for precise System CLR Type integration within the database. However, the installation process might be easier for the users and database administrators with deep technical knowledge. 

In case of users who are new to these technicalities, the installation process might be challenging. Let’s take a look at the challenges with the Microsoft System CLR Types For SQL Server 2014 installation and further find the best ways to resolve them. 

Challenges With System CLR Types Installation

While installing the CLR Types in SQL Server the users might encounter various challenges that can result in bigger issues for the users. We will understand these challenges one by one and then look for the ways we can prevent these issues from occurring. 

• The users might encounter installation failure of the CLR Types due to the incorrect version of the file. This might also occur if the Windows is not updated with the latest features or the .NET version required isn’t installed on the system. 
• Another issue is that the SQL Server isn’t able to load the desired CLR file. The possible causes for this can be due to missing or damaged assembly file. Database corruption is also one of the reasons for this issue. 

• After the SQL Server Migration, the users might forget or miss the re-installation of Microsoft System CLR Types For SQL Server 2014, resulting in issues when the database tries to run the CLR-based functions. 

To avoid these challenges from occurring, we will now take a look at a few safety measures that will help with smooth CLR installation and functioning. 

Best Practices to Avoid Disasters While Installing CLR 

Here are some of the ways that will allow the users to smoothly install the System CLR and further prevent any disasters from occurring during the use of CLR in the database. 

• One of the most important things to keep in mind while installing CLR is to choose the right version that matches with the SQL Server version you are using. Additionally, ensure that you have chosen the correct architecture (32 bit/ 64 bit). 
• Next, enable the CLR accurately using the right SQL Commands. It is also advised to enable the CLR only when required and further disable the account when not in use to avoid security risks in the database. 
• Another safety measure for using the Microsoft System CLR Types For SQL Server 2014 securely is to test the CLR code before adding them to the production SQL database. 
• For a safer CLR execution, keeping track of the assemblies installed on the database is important. Also, document the name of the assemblies and their purposes. 
• In case of SQL Server migration, the users must re-check the CLR configuration settings. Ensure that the CLR is enabled again after the migration or upgrade. Furthermore, also check that the specified system has CLR Types installed. 

Conclusion

With this technical write-up, we have learned thoroughly about the Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2014. We have also discussed the steps for the installation of CLR in the database and the challenges a user might encounter during the installation. Furthermore, we also discussed the best practices that will help and allow the users to install CLR in SQL Server effectively and use it without any issues.