Database: Filestream

Filestream is a feature in SQL Server that enables storing and managing large binary data files (such as documents, images, videos) directly in the file system. This allows for efficient data storage and retrieval, especially for files that are too large to be stored in the database itself.

How Filestream Works

When Filestream is enabled for a database, SQL Server creates a special folder on the file system to store the binary data files. These files are managed by SQL Server, but are stored outside of the database itself. This allows for faster access to the files, as they can be read and written directly from the file system.

Code Snippet

```sql CREATE DATABASE FileStreamDemo ON PRIMARY ( NAME = FileStreamDemo_Data, FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\FileStreamDemo_Data.mdf'), FILEGROUP FileStreamGroup1 CONTAINS FILESTREAM( NAME = FileStreamGroup1File, FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\FileStreamData') LOG ON ( NAME = FileStreamDemo_Log, FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\FileStreamDemo_Log.ldf') WITH FILESTREAM ( NON_TRANSACTED_ACCESS = FULL, DIRECTORY_NAME = N'FileStreamData'); ```

Sample Example

Let's say we have a table called Documents with a FileStream column for storing binary data files. We can insert a file into the table using the following query:

```sql INSERT INTO Documents (DocumentName, FileStreamData) VALUES ('Document1', (SELECT * FROM OPENROWSET(BULK 'C:\Documents\Document1.pdf', SINGLE_BLOB) AS DocumentData)); ```

Common Use Cases

Filestream is commonly used for storing large binary data files in a database, such as:

• Document management systems
• Image galleries
• Video libraries

Importance in Interviews

Understanding Filestream is important for database developers and administrators, as it is a common feature in SQL Server and may be asked about in job interviews. Being able to explain how Filestream works and its use cases can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in database management.

Conclusion

Filestream is a powerful feature in SQL Server that allows for efficient storage and management of large binary data files. By enabling Filestream for your database, you can improve performance and scalability when working with files that are too large to be stored in the database itself.

Tags

Database, Filestream, SQL Server, Binary Data, Performance