John Savill presents a breakdown of the top ten new features in SQL Server 2025, including vector and AI integration, change streaming, and new data type support.

SQL Server 2025 Top Ten Features

Author: John Savill’s Technical Training

Introduction

This video provides an overview of significant updates coming to SQL Server 2025, focusing on enhancements that impact developers, database administrators, and architects working with Microsoft data platforms.

Highlighted Features

1. Vector Support & AI Integration

  • Native support for vector data types, enabling AI-powered search scenarios (e.g., semantic search, similarity search).
  • Built-in AI capabilities for more advanced analytics and intelligent applications.

2. REGEX and Fuzzy String Matching

  • Extended support for complex string operations directly in SQL queries.
  • Practical applications for data cleaning, validation, and ETL workflows.

3. JSON Type and Index

  • Introduction of a dedicated JSON data type with support for indexing.
  • Improved performance and query capabilities for semi-structured JSON data.

4. REST and GraphQL Endpoint Integration

  • Ability to expose data via REST and GraphQL endpoints, modernizing integration scenarios with web/mobile apps and distributed architectures.

5. Change Event Streaming

  • Real-time change data capture and streaming for data engineering and analytics workflows.

6. Preview Features

  • Early access to cutting-edge capabilities for evaluation and feedback.

7. AI-Enabled Tools and New Python Driver

  • Enhanced developer tools for AI workloads.
  • Updated Python driver to improve connectivity and performance.

8. Arc and Fabric Integration

  • Tight integration with Azure Arc for hybrid cloud deployments.
  • Fabric integration for seamless data analytics and ML workflows.

9. Engine Improvements

  • Performance and scalability enhancements to power mission-critical workloads.

10. Express and Standard Edition Improvements

  • Usability and resource updates for broader accessibility across deployment scenarios.

Additional Learning & Resources

For more detailed chapters and timestamps, see the original video description.

Author

John Savill’s Technical Training

For channel updates, subtitles, and FAQs, check the channel page and resources listed in the description.