What is rowversion in SQL Server?

The concept of SQL Server's rowversion data type explained in under 100 words. #Under100

What is rowversion in SQL Server?

The SQL Server rowversion data type (aka, timestamp) is basically a database-wide Autonumber field.

Any time a record in a table with a rowversion column is added or updated, the global rowversion counter is incremented at the database level and the new value is assigned to the added/updated record.  It's an easy way to see if a record has changed without checking each field.

I recommend adding a rowversion field to every SQL Server table you link to from MS Access as it boosts performance, helps avoid weird bugs, and has no real downsides.

All original code samples by Mike Wolfe are licensed under CC BY 4.0