Emulation in SQL Tran
Core emulation concepts
In the context of SQL Tran, emulation refers to the intelligent rewriting of SQL code from one database platform to another, preserving the original business logic even when direct translation is not possible.
Rather than simply copying syntax, SQL Tran adapts the code to fit the architectural and functional realities of the target system, ensuring compatibility and operational correctness.
Emulation often involves restructuring SQL constructs, replacing unsupported features with equivalent logic, and adjusting for differences such as data type behavior, transaction handling, and execution environment.
Emulation necessity and scope
Migrating databases between fundamentally different systems — for example, from a traditional SQL Server installation to a massively distributed Fabric Warehouse — is not simply a matter of rewording statements.
Differences in storage architecture, processing models, SQL dialects, and feature sets mean that some constructs must be rewritten entirely to preserve their intended behavior.
Without emulation:
Key functionality could break or produce incorrect results.
Applications depending on database logic might fail.
Migration projects would require massive manual effort, increasing cost and risk.
SQL Tran automates much of this emulation process, significantly reducing manual work and ensuring that migrations are faster, safer, and more reliable.
Supported emulation scenarios
SQL Tran currently supports emulation for the following source-target migration scenarios:
Source
Target
Details
(Note: More source and target combinations are currently in development and will be added in future updates.)
Each scenario comes with its own challenges based on the specific differences between the platforms involved. SQL Tran provides scenario-specific emulation techniques to ensure the highest possible translation accuracy. These are illustrated with code examples and clearly noted limitations where manual adjustments may be required.
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