Beginning, Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Administration

Chapter 14. Introduction to the Common Language Runtime

In this chapter, we will look at how to manage the configuration and settings related to maintaining the security and stability of the SQL Common Language Runtime (CLR). Since this is not a programming book, I will use a short (but useful) code example, but it will certainly paint the picture of what is possible using the CLR. The main purpose of this chapter is to show you how to create and manage the CLR objects that developers have created for you.

Databases and Programming

If you're a career database administrator, then you probably know that I represent the contingent of unruly coders who often want to deploy precarious, custom-built applications on your servers. In the process of finding new and creative ways to solve problems with program code, programmers tend to break things. Because the administrator's job is to maintain a stable and secure server environment, it would naturally make sense to keep programmers (and their pesky program code) as far away from the servers as possible.

If you are a developer and you are reading this, you may think that I am making a great to-do about nothing, but most of the seasoned database administrators in the enterprise space (especially those with development skills) have learned to be very cautious of custom code and assemblies that could bring their servers down or cause hard-to-solve performance problems. I fully acknowledge the fact that many of you wear both a programming hat and ...